Michigan Football: Wolverines should learn from basketball team

The Michigan football team seems lost right now, but if they took have been paying attention to the basketball team they could learn a few things.

Right now in Ann Arbor, there is a team playing really well and one that looks lost. Not too long ago if I would have told you it was the basketball team playing well and the football team lost you would have thought I was crazy. The Michigan football program has always lead the way at U-M, but now the tides have turned and in a big way.

John Beilein brought a winning culture to the program and one that Juwan Howard has continued. They are bringing in high-quality guys who can play the game pretty well. The Wolverines have been one of the most consistent teams in the Big Ten, if not the country. The last two title game appearances by the Big Ten have been by the Wolverines.

A little as 10 years ago this seemed like a pipe dream. But here we are with the basketball team thriving and the football team heading in the wrong direction.

We have talked about what is wrong with Michigan, who could replace Harbaugh, or what Harbaugh might need to do if he stays. But maybe we are overcomplicating this situation and they just need to look at the basketball team and learn from them.

Michigan basketball is having fun

While Howard is starting to bring in top recruiting classes, the Wolverines have mostly won by playing the underdog role and doing it extremely well. They outworked their opponents and came away with hard-fought victories.

But more importantly, it looks like they are having fun and love playing with each other. If you have watched the Wolverines play basketball this year it is hard to not notice that. The freshman and transfers have gelled with the veteran guys and the Wolverines have turned into the deepest team in the Big Ten.

Against Central Florida, the Wolverines were struggling so Howard went with a reserve lineup and they went on a huge run.

While this was happening the starters were on the bench celebrating like they were playing. They knew they were giving them a spark and it worked. They were genuinely excited about their team winning.

The Michigan football team, on the other hand, has looked miserable out there and rumors have surfaced that when Joe Milton was pulled he stalked the sideline talking about transferring and dropping 50 on Harbaugh.

This is obviously somewhat of a reflection on the coach, but the players still need to take some accountability for their own actions. The basketball team is having fun, they have leaders, and guess what, they are winning.

The football team looks like they rather be anywhere else but on the field.

There is no fire in the football team right now. Yes, I know they haven’t played in two weeks, but when they were out there they were just going through the motions. When things go south it can be tough to get up for a game, but someone should show some heart.

The Wolverine basketball team is a ton of fun to watch right now. They play hard, are selfless, and have leaders. The football team could learn something from them.