4/3/01- Lowered Expectations for the Upcoming Football Season?  NO.

A foul mood seems to have descended upon Wolverine football fans.  The departure of Drew Henson seems to have left Wolverine hopes for another National Championship in the toilet.

I say, "NO!"

My expectations are the same as every season.  I expect Michigan to win the Big Ten Championship, go to the Rose Bowl, and compete for the National Championship.  

These were the same expectations I had when Bo Schembechler was coach.  We never won the National Championship but Michigan won or tied 13 Big Ten Championships under Bo's guidance.  Bo's average season record was 9-2.

These were the same expectations I had when Gary Moeller succeeded Bo as coach.  We never won the National Championship but Michigan won or tied 3 Big Ten Championships during Mo's 5 years at the helm.  Michigan won a record 19 consecutive conference games at one point and had a 4-1 bowl record.  Mo's average season record was 9-3.

These were the same expectations I had when Lloyd Carr succeeded Mo as coach.  We FINALLY won the National Championship and Michigan has won or tied 3 Big Ten Championships during Lloyd's 6 years at the helm.  Lloyd's average season record is 10-3.

No player comes to Michigan to lose.  There was great story in the papers a few weeks ago.  Last season John Navarre's father asked him how it felt to be starting QB for the Wolverines.  Navarre replied, "...I didn't come to Michigan to ride the bench..."  That sums up the attitude of every player who dons the maize and blue.  Drew Henson has decided to pursue a different dream but the dreams of his former Wolverine teammates remain.

Big Ten Champions.  Rose Bowl.  National Champions.

And our expectations as fans should be the same.  

WE ARE MICHIGAN.  THE VICTORS VALIANT.  THE  LEADERS AND BEST. 

THOSE WHO STAY WILL BE CHAMPIONS

More than just words.  These phrases are the ideals of our Wolverine devotion.  

They epitomize our faith that Michigan will prevail no matter what the odds.

Are you a Michigan man or woman?  Is it in your heart?  Do you have the love?  Who will play QB?  Does it really matter?  The names change but the results remain same.  Michigan domination.  Did you believe in '97 when Brian Griese came to camp and had to win the starting job?  Did you believe when Harbaugh led the Wolverines?  What about the unheralded Tom Brady?  Grbac, Collins, Leach? 

Then the expectations should be the same as every year:

Big Ten Champions.  Rose Bowl.  National Champions.

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