Not This Season, RichRod

I thought that RichRod would really be a good investment for Michigan Football. I knew he would struggle at first, but then, eventually, totally revamp the program. The Moviegoer and I even went as far as to say that RR would be to the Big-10 now what Spurrier was to the SEC in '90. And, I thought it would be sooner rather than later. Why? Because I think the spread-option can work (especially in the flat-footed B10). RR's system uses options and underneaths to exploit the slow and over-aggressive alike and pure speed to outpace the overly-cautious. It seemed like a perfect fit in the big-10, who, let's be honest, as a conference plays a little behind the faster teams in the nation. I knew it would take a while, as you have to gather the right personnel, but I figured he'd draw some recruits and refine his talent enough to be competitive by year 2. What I didn't figure was how absolutely awful Michigan would be last year. They needed at least 5 wins to plant the seed and had a schedule to get it, but they never showed up. The other problem is that the key position in this type of offense is without a doubt the QB. And, Big Blue just lost another one this week. What does this mean? Michigan won't be hoisting up the conference trophy this season - or be anywhere close to it. RichRod's hill for '09 has gotten MUCH steeper. But, there is a bright side. by starting a true freshman (and getting MURDERED this season), Michigan will build experience and confidence heading into 2010. Will we see 90's Florida-type dominance in Ann Arbor through the 20-teens? I'm starting to realize that no, we won't. But, will the heroes of the west re-establish themselves in the pecking order, play for the conference title, and chip away at the Vest's rivalry record? Absolutely. Give it time, Big Blue. You'll be back at the top of the Big-10 one day, even though that doesn't mean as much as it used to.