Sugar Bowl 2012: Brady Hoke Will Finally Earn Respect with Huge Victory

Michigan head coach Brady Hoke has made a habit out of turning programs that were previously experiencing tough times into legitimate forces in their respective conferences. It happened at Ball State, San Diego State and now with the Wolverines.

Despite that success, it seems like he doesn't get the respect he deserves on a national level. Perhaps a big win over the Virginia Tech Hokies in tonight's Sugar Bowl will finally turn the tide.

Michigan enters the game as a slight favorite mostly due to dynamic quarterback Denard Robinson. His presence make Hoke's transition easier to be sure, but it seems like, wherever Hoke lands, a winning culture follows close behind.

The 53-year-old football lifer has taken hold of the “Michigan man” attitude and run with it. By endearing himself to the fans, just like he did with the Cardinals and Aztecs, he helps rejuvenate interest in the program, and that's the first step to turning things around.

Those same fans might not be happy that he used their school as a stepping stone to a bigger opportunity, but they can't deny the success he had while on campus.

He's able to connect with players on a personal level, and when they know their coach actually cares about them, both on and off the field, they're more likely to do that extra weightlifting session or attend an extra film study.

Those are seemingly minor actions, but they begin to add up over time. Winning games is as much of a mental battle as it is a physical one, especially when the talent gap between two teams is as narrow as it usually is in the Big Ten.

That's how a team that had only appeared in one bowl game in the past three years can suddenly be playing for a BCS trophy within the span of one year.

Nobody knows what Hoke will have to do to be considered one of the nation's top coaches, but Michigan fans could care less. As long as he keeps winning and bringing in elite recruits, his national reputation doesn't make any difference to them.

Keeping their respect is all Hoke really needs, but a Sugar Bowl victory will help him garner some extra attention on a national level.