Michigan Football: 10 Reasons College Football Needs Wolverines Back on Top
Since Jim Tressel arrived in Columbus back in 2001, Michigan Wolverines football has been on gradual decline. You couldn't see it by attending the games since there's rarely been an empty seat. In fact, Michigan has played before more than 100,000 fans 230 consecutive times. The Wolverines have lead the nation in attendance 35 of the last 36 campaigns. They averaged 111,825 last season.
Michigan hasn't really suffered off the field. Thanks to a loyal fan base, it's coffers are stuffed. The Wolverines recently completed a $226 million renovation to the Big House before last season's opener.
But their perception has been hurt. Along with its losing ways against the Buckeyes (1-9), the Wolverines have also lost five of their six bowl games.
The arrival of Rich Rodriguez failed to turn the tide, so Michigan begins another era under Brady Hoke. It seems like Hoke couldn't have arrived fast enough.
Let's look at a few things affected by Michigan's performance on the gridiron.
Travel
1 of 10
Whether it's across the lake or across the country, Michigan fans will travel to see their beloved Wolverines.
All they ask, however, is that Michigan is competitive. There have been many Saturdays that the crowd at a Northwestern game was pro-Michigan.
Or at a Rose Bowl game where Michigan boosters gave the Southern Cal cheering section a run for its money.
Love 'em or Hate 'em
2 of 10
There's no doubt Michigan football is national, and arguably, an international icon. You can find Michigan gear anywhere.
While Michigan has a tremendous fan base, it certainly has its share of "haters."
But for some reason hating Michigan during the last few years has been a bit hollow. Kind of like winning at solitaire.
Place "Little Brother" Where He Belongs
3 of 10
There's obviously something wrong with Michigan being the basketball school and Michigan State being the football school.
Michigan swept Michigan State on the hardwood last season and the nation could care less.
How can anyone get excited about Michigan State's football tradition. You'd have to use Earl Morrall's picture three times to fill up a flier. The most exciting game in Spartan history ended in a 10-10 tie.
Their "tradition" was sparked when old coach Darryl Rogers called Michigan fans a bunch of "arrogant asses."
Little did he know how that would backfire. Michigan fans love the moniker.
"Arrogance is bliss," is the normal Wolverine response.
Sparty has been crying out loud since Michael Hart (20, pictured) joked about the Spartan's behaving like Michigan's "little brother."
Michigan State fought back by claiming they hadn't lost to Michigan in football or basketball for X amount of days.
They conveniently forgot about Michigan pummeling the Spartans in hockey, softball and several other sports.
Delaware Football
4 of 10
It's no secret why the Delaware Blue Hens have such splendid television ratings. But for some reason nobody watched the last three seasons.
Seriously, the FCS school has a bright history, thanks to a Michigan assistant joining the Delaware staff just before the second world war.
As the story goes, one Michigan helmet left Ann Arbor. Some say it was more like two truckloads.
The Game
5 of 10
For many years, it was common knowledge that the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry was the best in college athletics.
But over the last few years, pollsters began to ask the question again. Despite the traditions surrounding the game, the last few contests have been annoying duds.
Even Buckeye fans are getting discouraged.
But wait. Michigan has hired a new football coach and Ohio State may be hiring one soon.
"The Game" will have several new subplots this season, and the play on the field should be very competitive.
Economies in both states have floundered in recent years. "The Game" has been a pleasant diversion.
Tradition
6 of 10
Tradition has long been associated with college football, especially Michigan football.
From Field Yost's point-a-minute teams, to the "Victors" fight song to tailgating, it's hard to beat a fall Saturday in Ann Arbor.
Michigan has actually paved the way for other universities to have their own tradition-filled game days.
One of the great traditions in college football in "Script Ohio." Actually, It was the world-renowned Michigan marching band who performed it first. Ohio State took it from there and the rest is history.
While Michigan has led the nation in attendance the last several years, the atmosphere has been missing at times. "Brady's Bunch" could really make a difference.
Michigan-Notre Dame
7 of 10
The Michigan-Notre Dame rivalry began in the late 1800s when a group of Michigan assistants traveled to South Bend. Their assignment was to teach some Notre Dame students the game of football, but no one told them to teach it so well.
The two world-respected schools have enjoyed a great series over the years that has featured some exciting football. In recent years, names like Desmond Howard, Rocket Ismail and Denard Robinson have provided the heroics.
While Michigan has been hurting the last three seasons, Notre Dame's been down for even longer.
Like Michigan, Notre Dame is loaded with tradition. At one time, it seemed like they were making a football movie about Notre Dame every year.
Michigan hosts Notre Dame in the first night game ever at "The Big House" this fall. An NCAA record crowd of 114,000 is expected. Both teams have an opportunity to perform before a national television audience.
What's Good About College Football
8 of 10
There is a handful of universities which have showcased both stellar academics and great football.
Part of Michigan's reputation comes from the two in tandem.
What might be a surprise to some, Michigan is currently the 15th-ranked university in the world.
Michigan has quite a group of respected scholars around the world as well. To them, football is very important.
Michigan's Overall Record: 884-308-36 (Most Wins. Top Winning Percentage)
9 of 10
Back in 1968, new Athletic Director Don Canham awoke the sleeping giant by hiring Bo Schembechler to coach the Wolverines.
Schembechler posted a career record at Michigan and brought the Wolverines back into national prominence.
Following Schembechler was Gary Moeller and Lloyd Carr.
The coaches left Michigan with the most wins and best winning percentage in college football.
That record has helped keep Michigan in the football limelight during the last few troubling years.
It frustrates Michigan's pundits who really can't discount it. Sure, the folks in Columbus know who they are, and they sometimes need reminding that Cooper's losses count too.
New Rivalry with Nebraska
10 of 10Nebraska moves into the Big Ten this fall, and many are already looking forward to the game between Michigan and Nebraska in November.
It's possible the showdown could determine the Legends Division representative in the inaugural Big Ten title game.
This will be Nebraska's first visit to the Big House since 1963. They could be in for a surprise.
.jpg?w=600 "WWE Raw Results & Grades 🔠")
