Bad things have happened. Real bad. Word UM fans cringe at hearing are the words, “You lost to..!!” …well let’s not even mention them. Let’s be honest, things have went a bit off course after what seemed to be a dream season in 2006. Who can forget stomping on Brady Quinn and Charlies Weis in South Bend – ND didn’t have a chance that day. Manningham for a deep TD seemed to happen a couple times in every game. Mike Hart was staying healthy and racking up one 100yd game after another. DEFENSE. In 2006 we had a defense that stopped some people – that was nice. Haven’t seen one of those in a few years. Win after win, then came the “Game of the Century” as ESPN so eloquently coined it. Hell of a first drive, it was even better as I sat and gave my suckeye fan of a brother hell for thinking the suckeyes would come out and stomp UM. But he sure had his moments to throw some dirt on my fire as Troy Smith and a spread attack walked up and down the field for a healthy lead. So, UM loses the game of the century. A weak debate ensues to the effect of a rematch. UM loses this debate. UM also loses the bowl game handily to USC. I freakin’ hate losing to USC.

3-9. Man was that bad. I mean I was excited walking in to that Utah game. I’m thinking that a new offense, talent moved around to fit that pretty new offense – this could be good. The crowd was excited. You could feel change was in the air. Then, the skills, or lack thereof, of a one Nick Sheridan was put on display. Tossing the rock and just hoping that someone caught it. It was ugly. Very ugly.

Needless to rehash or say to any degree, the rest of the season was just a tire fire. Turnovers, blown opportunities, bad tackling, no defense, etc.

So here we are broaching the 2009 season. The hopes and expectations are about where I think they should be. 7-8 wins, bowl game, and I think most people will accept that and move on with higher expectations for the following year. The schedule sets up nicely for a decent start. I think Notre Dame may be a touch overrated, but we’ll see how that one plays out. That will be a challenge.

Stock up or stock down? You always here the analysts playing that little game. The stock tanked, hard. Worth nothing. With some improved QB play, you know, someone that is better than an average high school QB, UM’s stock is up – and it may rise a bit higher than most people think if a couple early wins give these boys a bit of swagger and confidence.

Related Posts:

• Preview: Michigan at Iowa
• Preview: UMass at Michigan
• A Look at Michigan’s 2010 Offense
• 10 Greatest Michigan Plays