As I watched the debacle of what appeared to be Cover 4 in what everyone knew was a situation that Spurrier would not be attempting another field goal this season unfold, I could not help but think of what Wolverine Nation's offseason will be like...
Students, alumni, and fans twitter feeds and other outlets were littered with the mantra "Go Blue Forever" and other quick blips that were to somehow reassure everyone that they still were invested in Michigan and their athletic programs, football in this case. As I watched as Michigan "snatched defeat from the jaws of victory"... for the 3rd time this year against teams that will finish in the top 10 of the AP poll, you really do wonder what kind of season this could have been. The execution was not so good, we still do not have the athletes that this coaching staff wants at all positions, we lacked depth in key areas, we were missing our starting RB for key games, Vincent Smith is 5'6 175....Denard was a weird question mark, Borges bungled play-calling and much more. Yet we did rise above a lot of that.
There is a lot that goes on within a team on a college campus. This is not the Lions or the Red Wings or any pro-sport franchise. The goals set by the coaching staff far exceed the bounds of Michigan stadium or what goes on between those painted lines. So to call this season a complete waste of time is foolish. There is far more involved than just football, but as far as the football aspect of everything it is fair enough to say that it has been disappointing as a player, fan, and coach though. For how invested we are in Michigan athletics to think that these players or coaches do not care or are not trying is just stupidity. Now they are all capable of making dumb decisions and at that point those decisions become fair game for criticism. But at the end of the day, Hoke and Co. have effectively another year before any firm judgment can be placed upon them.
In regard to the bowl game, Hoke was Gamblor in this game. Fake this fake that, going for 2 way to early (we would have been up 3 on that last drive had we just taken the extra points in those instances and likely been more prepared for Spurrier going for the win)..Ultimately this game was for Pride and just an exhibition. Yes you want to win, but it doesn't make or break your program. As Bo always pointed out the number 1 goal is that Big Ten Championship and everything else falls into place.
So now the eyes turn toward Signing Day and eventually the Spring Game, the Shane Morris hype-machine will get get going, and August will be around before we all know it again. The dawn sets on team 133, but the sun will rise on 134 and hopefully a better year.