QOTW: Michigan Football

The football team had a rocky start this year, falling behind and dropping out of the top 25 for the first time in quite a while. But with the Wolverines picking up their first non-MAC Conference win this past weekend against then #11 ranked MSU, things could be on the up-and-up. This week, we want to know what you think about the rest of the season: Is the Michigan State win a sign of things to come the rest of the season? Is it too little too late? Or do you see nothing else good in the future?

(Editor's note: Yes, Michigan did lose to the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday.Through the murmurs I heard walking home and in line at Big Ten Burrito later in the evening, it is clear that this game completely ruined several students' days, weeks, lives, years, etc. Let's be clear about one thing: football is a game not a presidential election. Sometimes the other team wins. As I read these responses that were submitted before the game, however, what is striking is how much wiser the BBA predictions seem to be. So I have separated the responses by Ross School of Business program type. -Michael Gurovitsch)


"As long as the current coaching staff is in place, I see no national championship in Michigan's future. While the physical ability of the players is considerable, the mental ability of the coaching staff is not. Of particular concern to me are Jim Herrmann (defensive coordinator) and Mike Gittleson (strength coach). They are unable to maximize the physical talent the team recruits.

Ultimately, the problem originates from Michigan's practice of filling coaching positions with "Michigan Men," who have long associations with the team and primarily Bo Schembechler. But Bo is of an outdated brand of football himself and many traditionalists are afraid to make this concession, even though Schembechler NEVER WON A NATIONAL TITLE. I think the next coaching staff should be headed by Norm Chow of the Tennessee Titans. This has nothing to do with the fact that we are both Asian."

Jeff Yang
BBA2


"I seriously cannot stand all those fair weather fans of Michigan football. We are the only students I know who can turn on our own team so fast! It's really amazing. I sit in row 2 at the Big House and I am astonished at the lack of cheering and support so close to the field. The pathetic guys in my section just stand there with a blank stare on their face during most of the game. I don't know if they are hungover or drunk or what, but really I don't care, they need to be screaming in the name of Michigan football."

Leslie Patton
BBA2



"Did you say Rose Bowl or Shark Bowl?"

Derek Skrzynski
BBA2



"Motor City Bowl."

Andrew "Spike" Wagner
BBA2


"Each and every year Michigan has the talent and recruiting to be national championship contenders. However, as long as Lloyd Carr, Jim Herrmann, and Terry Malone remain coaches, we will continue to be good, but not good enough. Six out of the last seven years we've lost the road opener; you have to look at coaching for that. Conservative coaching on offense and defense along with the inability to win the early games that we're supposed to win will haunt this football program."

Jeff Roth
BBA1



"I predict that the Wolverines are most likely Motor City Bowl bound. After all, it is the champion of the MAC conference who plays the 6th place Big Ten team in that showdown. Michigan, with their 2-0 record in the MAC (wins over Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan) is sure to have the best winning percentage in the MAC this year. Perhaps they will face a Big Ten representative like Iowa."

Matthew J. McRitchie
MBA2



"I don't even watch football and I know that the QB can't throw and the defense is about as porous as Martha Stewart's favorite sieve. Yeah, we beat State, but what about that interception or that missed field goal? OT last year was an amazing comeback but this year was a real embarrassment. It never should have come to that. Rose Bowl 2007? Now you're talking."


Adrian Morgan
MBA1



"Two losses definitely seals their fate - no invite to the big dance. However, they can still have a good season. Two big tests to go - Iowa (away) and Ohio State (Home). If they can win these two big games then a Big Ten crown plus a BCS bowl invite awaits. I think they can win both big games and win out the rest of the schedule. I believe another Big Ten title is on the way.


Gene Praschan
MBA 2



"I think Michigan will finish the season 10-2 ( 9-2 + 1-0 bowl game)"

Vijay Santhanam
Evening MBA





"It looks like the Wolverines will have to wait until next year, there are too many teams that will go unbeaten or have one loss. Next year will be a breakout because Henne is learning to survive on his own right now.

I'm (wishfully) picking my undergrad school Texas Longhorns to go all the way and beat USC in the Rose Bowl. I know we still have to beat Oklahoma this weekend, but one game at a time and you never know."

Brian Cain
Evening MBA