Let me just say this – one play or one shift in momentum is not the sole reason a team loses. If Michigan manages to get in the endzone to go up 20-7 against Illinois, do I think they walk out with a win? Yes. So Michigan isn’t able to punch it in, so what? You’ve got a terrible Illinois offense backed up on their one yard line right? This team completely folded at that very moment. All the defense had to do was get a three and out and Michigan has excellent field position in Illinois territory and is in position to score again. So, right, that Illinois defensive stand was a back-breaker, but holy Jesus that is no excuse for this team to then pack it in and roll over. Pathetic.

How can Rich Rodriguez and this team rebound?
RR is facing some real adversity, again. A great September bought him some additional time and put him in good graces with some that were calling for his head. Personally, I am willing to give RR time and won’t put 100% of the blame on him. The inexperience factor is significant, this team is so freakin’ young and it’s very well documented. I think saying that RR is on the hot seat is a knee jerk reaction that isn’t quite justified at this point. If this team is in a similar situation one year from now, I will take a different stance on the matter.

So, three games left. Four scenarios.

1. Final Record: 8-4 – Michigan rebounds with a win against a bad Purdue team that plays better than their record at times (see Ohio State game). Somehow Wisconsin plays its worst game of the year and Michigan steals one. Then the gods of Michigan football come out of the woodwork against Ohio State.
   Odds of happening? 5%
2. Final Record: 7-5 – Michigan beats Purdue this week in what will probably be an ugly game for both teams. Loses at Wisconsin because getting a road win this season just ain’t gonna happen. And the the almighty gods of Michigan football show up and roll into the Big House against Ohio State.
   Odds of happening? 20%
3. Final Record: 6-6 – Michigan beats Purdue because they suck, and Michigan sucks, but Purdue sucks more. Michigan has no interest in winning a road game this year, so Wisconsin is obviously a loss. The following week, Ohio State shows that they are clearly the dominant team and soundly beats Michigan by three touchdowns.
   Odds of happening? 60%
4. Final Record: 5-7 – Michigan shows no resemblance of the team they were back in September. This would mean the team goes 1-7 in their final 8 games – and that’s counting the Delaware State game as what it wasn’t – an actual game. The world of maize and blue is completely engulfed in the early season success of the men’s basketball team and wants nothing to do with Rich Rodriguez.
   Odds of happening: 25%

Related Posts:

• Michigan’s 2010 Win Predictions
• Michigan’s 2010 Season: If it’s a Dream…
• Michigan’s 2010 Season: If it’s a Nightmare…
• 3. 5. 7? 8? 9? 10 Wins?
• Monday Press Conference: Pre Purdue / Post Illinois