No Roses For Michigan

Monday morning is finally here, and I’m still in shock. What looked like an enjoying game turned into a nightmare. A feeling that rocked the start of 2004 has rocked 2005.

Michigan lost another Rose Bowl.

As the final seconds ticked down on the game clock, and the ball flew thru the uprights, I couldn’t help but holler “Fire that bum coach!” and “I hope he doesn’t get drafted”. At one point I remember wishing bodily harm upon half of Texas.

It was a Rose Bowl to remember, with an ending to be forgotten. Texas made their first trip to Pasadena to take first shot at a BCS win. Michigan made their 19th appearance, and marked a third notch in their BCS belt. Much anticipation had been made about two storied programs. The game lived up to expectations, and entertained us throughout, until the last kick of course.

The game started out pretty much as expected. Both teams were pressuring, and they went back and forth for a while. Texas struck first with a short TD run by their QB, Vince Young. Young finished the game with 192 yards rushing, 180 yards passing, four rushing touchdowns, and one passing touch down.

The key to this game was stopping the run. They did a great job with Cedric Benson, who was held to 23 carries for 72 yards, but failed to stop Young from running wild. Michigan failed to show any ability to play this type of defense. They looked afraid to challenge him.

I spent the last 40 or so hours trying to heal myself, and think of the positives from this game. Rivas was flawless on kicking. Edwards made all his catches when he needed too, and Breaston setup great field position. Freshman duo Hart and Henne looked good also. Hart helped move the ball a bit, and Henne completed 18 of 34 with four touchdowns.

Instead of talking about all the things that could have happened, there are a lot of positive things to talk about for next season. Henne and Hart will have one year under their belt. Both should be looked at in a Heisman kind of way.

There are two losses that will impact this team. Braylon Edwards and David Baas.

Edwards has been the team’s top receiver for the past couple seasons. He’s a unique player that has ability to grab catches that most couldn’t.

Baas is the heart and soul of the defense. He’s not only a great player, he’s a leader, and sets the tone. He keeps that line tightened up well, and motivates everyone around him to do the same.

We should also not forget guys like Dudley, who is the master of blocking for Hart, Massaquoi, Curry, and Watson.

So what will the season be like next year for the Wolverines? Will they be able to run the table? Can they find a receiver to take the place of Edwards? RB and QB are set for two more seasons, but what about TE?

Many questions will have many answers in the spring and summer. Expectations will be high for Coach Carr and his staff. Twice in a row he’s gone to the Rose Bowl, twice in a row he’s lost. I wouldn’t expect the pressure of his dismissal to be issued, but I wouldn’t expect him not to hear about the loss either.

The schedule next year dictates 11-0. They play three soft games in pre-conference. The Big Ten looks to be weak again next season, so they should really only have to be real concerned about Ohio State.

Disappointment is the word to ring in the New Year. What could have been, wasn’t. Losses to Notre Dame and Ohio State just don’t seem right. Anything other than 11-0 next year will be considered a disaster.