Michigan Football: Wolverine Fans believe there will be a season

Will there be a football season this year? U-M President Mark Schlissel is apprehensive, but Michigan football fans believe so, and it’s not even close.

I put together a Twitter poll to figure out how optimistic or pessimistic the Michigan football fans are about the 2020-21 season. It turns out, the people who participated overwhelmingly believe there will be a season.

Considering the fact that a worldwide pandemic has decimated what we know as ordinary life, it’s a good sign that people are keeping the hope that a football season will take place. Staying at home for weeks at a time can chip away at the cheer and excitement that football will ever be played again, especially considering the only sports on television currently are soccer overseas, cornhole, some bowling, and whatever else ESPN 8 the Ocho has to offer, but it doesn’t seem to impact the resilient minds of Wolverine fans.

Although, the signs of greener pastures have not hit the US as of yet. And UM President Mark Schlissel’s comments to the Wall Street Journal doesn’t exactly breed confidence. As a fan its tough to hear, but as a human being, it’s easy to understand what he said and why he said it. Here’s what he had to say:

“If there is no on-campus instruction then there won’t be intercollegiate athletics, at least for Michigan,” Schlissel told the Wall Street Journal. He has “some degree of doubt as to whether there will be college athletics (anywhere), at least in the fall.”

Well, Mr. President, the UM fanbase doesn’t agree with you. 79.7 % of respondents stated there will be a season compared to 13.9 % for a half-season and 6.3% for no season.

And neither does former college/professional quarterback/broadcaster Joel Klatt who, in a Tweet, said “The 2020 season is 100% happening” and went on to say he believes it will happen on time and that there will be some fans.

Michigan nation is under the same assumption as 42.9% voted that there will be some fans in the stadium as opposed to a full or empty stadium.

Matt’s musings

The coronavirus will have a long-lasting effect on everyday life and could, potentially, stick around forever. That doesn’t mean we will go on without football. As witnessed around the world, sports are making a comeback and it’s only a matter of time before the safety measures are put in place to ensure we see another touchdown.

As of now, we must trust the process and hope to see the next Tom Brady throw a ball in the maize and blue, or the next Charles Woodson steal a ball from the air.

Keep hope alive.