Michigan’s Story of 2009 – Chapter 4
The 2009 season has been defined by highs and lows – thankfully there have been a few more highs than lows and the lows seem to happen off the field more than on. Michigan fans have experienced more on the field excitement after four games than they have seen in the past 5 years. The shear speed of Denard Robinson is rare – and it’s also rare to have that speed at your quarterback position. The Big House is louder, much louder. The Notre Dame game was the loudest that I have heard Michigan Stadium. There have been four games so far – four chapters. Each game can be described in one word – Western Michigan – Relief; Notre Dame – Glory; Eastern Michigan – Reminder; Indiana – Escape. Let’s just start from the beginning.
Denard Robinson / Det. News
Chapter 1: The Relief
A media-driven beat down of the Michigan program was in full swing before any game was even played. Free Press subscriptions were victims of fire, burn and newly found hatred. Rich Rodriguez basically got peed on when you consider the allegations and add the real estate lawsuit that went down that week. Then it came – all hail gameday! Michigan comes out and dominates what is supposed to be a decent MAC opponent in Western Michigan. Tate Forcier’s first touchdown pass was all that any Michigan fan needed to see in that entire game. Michigan had a quarterback and that meant – Michigan had a competent offense that would be able to either stay on the field or put points on the board. What a relief. WHAT A RELIEF for the Michigan program to start the season 1-0.
Chapter 2: The Glory
The media’s love affair with Notre Dame was all geared up to officially launch after a victory in the Big House. Na, nope, don’t think so and not so fast Jimmah! Michigan came out and made a statement and if you were there or even if you watched it from your living room – the day ended in pure glory. The little freshman with a huge heart and level of poise – brings Michigan one of its most memorable wins in recent history, most definitely in the Rich Rodriguez era with only the Florida bowl victory coming close if considering the past few years. The glory poured in for an entire week. Every sports writer in the country wanted some Rich Rodriguez and Tate Forcier tiempo. “Michigan’s back” was the general feeling across the nation that Saturday night and throughout the ensuing week. The GLORY of that day may last for quite some time and Michigan starts the season 2-0.
Tate & DRob / Det. News
Chapter 3: The Reminder
Notre Dame was last week and who really cares about it anymore as the nature of college football makes each next game matter more than the last – so a let down would tear down the greatness and glory of the ND victory. Eastern Michigan walks in and manages to play a game that forces Michigan fans to remember – this is a young, young team. Inexperience is on both sides of the ball and at the most important positions. Mistakes are going to be made this year – hopefully they are made at times where Michigan can recover or absorb the blows. This game also served as a reminder to Michigan fans why Rich Rodriguez was hired. When I see 45-17 on a scoreboard, I assume the game was relatively lopsided and the victorious team probably walked away happy. I’m gonna say – not this Michigan team. The game was close at half and the defense looked sloppy at best. The Michigan passing game was somewhat stale. But Rich Rodriguez exploits a defense by utilizing a scheme that forces a defense to get out of position. Rich Rodriguez exploits a defense by utilizing speed at critical offensive positions. Yes, it wasn’t pretty and thank you for the reminder that this team is going to struggle, goof, be ugly – but I’m taking it because the upside is enormous. Michigan starts the season 3-0.
Chapter 4: The Escape
The Reminder told us that this is still a very young team, but when playing well – they are so tough to beat (offensively speaking – now the defense is another thing). Indiana – yea sure come on in. Michigan fans were excited to see some extended playing time for the likes of Denard Robinson, Vincent Smith, Justin Turner, etc. Not quite the case. Damn, what a frustrating game to watch. The snaps – holy damn. Terrible. How can Michigan lose momentum and drop the Big Ten opener to Indiana? Tate Forcier stepped up once more and gave Michigan a great way to escape a game that they didn’t deserve to win. Brandon Minor again proved his worth late in the game by picking up some crucial yards and the ultimate game-winning first down. The defense wasn’t good, but hey, I’ll take field goals all day over touchdowns. Now it gets serious, Chapter 5 of the 2009 Michigan season goes on the road to a hated rival. Michigan starts the season 4-0.
NEXT – Chapter 5: Michigan State
Carlos Brown / Det. News
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