The nation’s winningest college football program, Michigan, hasn’t seen an outright Big Ten Championship since 2003.
Furthermore, Michigan has dropped an inexcusable number of games to archrival Ohio State and has been victorious in just three of its past ten bowl appearances.
For many football programs, Michigan’s recent football performances would be allowed and even praised. However, with a fan base that eats, sleeps, and breathes Michigan football, Rich Rodriguez-esque teams and constant blunders in big games need to exit The Big House.
Luckily, for Michigan fans, the installment of Brady Hoke’s system has done just that.
When Hoke first arrived in Ann Arbor, Mich. , he brought along a sense of family and love for his players that had been diminished in Michigan’s football program.
Not only did he change the culture of Michigan football but he fixed Michigan’s defensive troubles with the hiring of former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.
During just the past three seasons, Mattison has distilled a hard-nosed approach that has proven successful on the field.
Michigan also has improved its offensive success with offensive coordinator Al Borges’ pro-style techniques.
The Wolverines have thrived on the recruiting trail with the addition of five-star athletes at running back, offensive line and quarterback. The ground-and-pound system is also once again becoming Michigan’s bread and butter.
The restored Michigan program has already seen wins against Ohio State, a BCS bowl victory, and an overall culture change. These accomplishments, while impressive, are only a glimpse of what Michigan man Brady Hoke will do in his future years in Ann Arbor.
After a grueling victory against Notre Dame this weekend, Michigan is eyeing the start of its Big Ten slate, as the Wolverines will play a schedule that includes Nebraska, Northwestern and Ohio State.
Finishing the season unharmed in their Big Ten matchups will be no easy task for the Wolverines, but if Brady Hoke and company want to fully reach the obtainable the goal of being a college football powerhouse, winning the conference is a must.
And who knows, perhaps a conference title could lead to even bigger things.
@SKwiatkowski247
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