The Michigan Wolverines beat a very heavily-favored Florida Gators’ team on New Year’s Day to win the Capitol One Bowl. It’s been a while since Michigan has won a bowl game on Jan. 1 (Jan. 1, 2003, also against the Florida Gators) so it’s hard to believe. It’s also hard to believe the fashion in which Michigan won – throwing the ball all over and scoring at will (and the defense played decent too). Why don’t we play like that ALL THE TIME – that is my frustrating question! But, the win was great and it got everyone excited to enter the Rich Rodriguez era.Speaking of Coach Rod, he was on Jim Rome’s radio show on Tuesday and was surprisingly candid. With Lloyd at the helm over the past 13 years, Michigan fans have gotten used to no information whatsoever coming from the halls of Fort Schembechler. It seems, though, that Coach Rod will be different. For example, he spoke openly about Adrian Arrington, Ryan Mallett and Mario Manningham not returning to the team. Later in the night, he held an impromptu briefing with the media and, when asked about Ryan Mallett, he said the following:
“Don't care. He's not playing for Michigan. I'm concerned with who's playing for Michigan.”
He was totally channeling Bo – stressing that the team is more important than any one player. I was impressed with this and with his earlier radio appearance – something I didn’t think possible after watching Les Miles hoist the National Championship trophy the night before. Although Miles was my first choice, I’m starting to like Coach Rod!
As for Mallett, I am sad to see him go as I think he’ll turn out to be a good QB. And, I’m more than a little nervous about our QB situation next year, especially if all-world recruit Terrelle Pryor chooses scarlet and gray over maize and blue. But, in the end, Mallett being here wasn’t a fit for either side and it was best for all involved to just move on. It was nice to hear that he’ll always consider himself a Michigan Man, no matter what color jersey he eventually ends up wearing.
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