Michigan is playing a new brand of football – and this new brand is pure entertainment. A lot of this recent emotion coming out of Michigan fans can be attributed to the ridiculously likable Tate Forcier – but it’s more than that. Not only is this new brand of football actually exciting as hell to watch – it’s timing is impeccable and it succeeds an approach that’s essentially opposite in many ways.

Most Michigan fans are used to a team that might be considered “overrated” – for obvious reasons – not living up to expectations. Expectations are really something aren’t they? A team that enters the season with a top ten ranking that starts out on fire and then goes out and loses to Oregon. Or a team that starts out 5 and 0 and loses to Northwestern. NOT this team – this team is underrated. A team that was given zero credit because they didn’t deserve any credit. A team with a head coach that was tearing up on a nationally televised press conference defending the integrity of his program – on game week. A team that went 3 and 9 a year ago. A team with a fan base that riddled Rich Rodriguez with criticism for implementing an offensive scheme that doesn’t align with the player personnel. This is a team that has put all of that aside in 2009 and this is fun.

From the Det. News

What timing. Rich Rod, his staff, the Michigan players, the Michigan program, the University of Michigan, the Michigan alumni, the Michigan fan base, the Big Ten conference – all need a boost, need some help. Desperation was setting in – didn’t you hear the analysts and dumbass Ohio State fans chiding Michigan because a MAC opponent, season-opening game turned into a must-win for the most winningest program in the history of college football? I sure did. That was two weeks ago. Now, every major media outlet wants to know what emotions Rich Rodriguez is feeling now and how his team, university and fan base are responding to the success. Keep in mind – it’s been two games- but hey this is some serious fun.

Two games – why the hell does two games matter to such a proud program? Tradition, tradition, tradition – change, change, change – tradition, tradition, tradition. They don’t mesh well. A crystal clean program, rock-solid coaching personalities, three yards and a cloud of dust, 350 pound linemen, pro-style offense, Appy State, Toledo, Ohio State, stale play, Michigan Stadium, music during games, it goes on and on. Essentially, the entire program has undertaken a massive face lift over the past two years. And now a 19 year old kid that shows every quality you want in a young quarterback – is making all this change feel a little better. People need to understand that there’s one guy behind what happens in that locker room and on that field. Rich Rodriguez is a good coach, and his players love playing for him. Yes, there have been missteps and there is the NCAA investigation – but you can’t tell me that you don’t like RR’s approach. He wears his emotions on his sleeve. He believes in his philosophies and what his coaching staff is doing. Afterall, this is the guy that pioneered the spread offense. This is fun. It’s fun watching Tate Forcier bust a 30+ yarder on 4th down against a hated rival in Notre Dame – I was having a tough time remembering Chad Henne or John Navarre threatening defenses with their legs. I’m tellin’ you, this is change, but this is fun.

From the Det. News

I was there this past Saturday. This is a program that is so thirsty for something new, something fun and exciting. The energy in that stadium is unbelievable and it’s been pent up, held back, for years. The product on the field is going to make all of these changes for those that don’t welcome it – a bit easier. If you don’t like the music, I say to you – deal with it. It gets the crowd going, makes the crowd louder, and a louder crowd works with our D and against the opponents offense. It’s exciting football and it’s Michigan’s new brand – and it’s a damn good time right now.

Related Posts:

• It’s More Than a Game, My Friends.
• Michigan’s 2011 Depth Chart – Offense
• The Season Lies at your Doorstep
• Will Rich Rodriguez be Missed?
• Bangin’ on Rich Rod