As the clock ticked down to its unfortunate conclusion against Ohio State, it wasn’t the dropping temperature or pelting snow that made the Michigan football faithful in the stands feel horrible. It was the scoreboard, the team’s performance, and the “scarletting” of the stands as those in maize and blue melted away. Well, that and about a dozen other reasons.
As they trudged away from the stadium, slogging through the slush then sitting in traffic, these other reasons cycled through. A depleted team facing a healthy one. The nervous freshman QB finished with a depressing 8/18 for 63 yards, 0 TD, and 1 INT. The defense, on whom hopes were pinned, got pounded on the ground for 47 rushes for 186 yards, carved through the air for 19 completions for 233 yards and three touchdowns, and were stuck on the field for 40:01. The long hot shower couldn’t wash away the dread. It will be a while before it does. What will help?
Let's move on
Now that the only game that matters for this season is over, the season, therefore, is over. We’re not here to talk about the past. The past, as they say, has passed. We live in the here and the now. So here are things to look forward to.
Early Signing Day
The Wolverines had an active signing day but at least added two five-star recruits, with the second becoming official on Thursday morning (Savion Hiter). Michigan football isn't done on the recruiting trail either in the 2026 class.
Bowl Prep
Getting rosy news from bowl prep. Phrases like “the light went on,” “the real deal,” and “ready to be a leader” will pepper media posts and mix with the seasonal music and blinking lights to make the holiday bright.
Bowl game
Now that NFL prospects are no longer on campus because they are working round the clock to enhance their draft prospects, players have transferred looking for playing time, and the spring game has become a glorified practice, the Insurance Company/Snack Food/Gambling Website bowl game has become a “futures” game featuring tomorrow's stars today. Get excited!
National signing day
In February, the current near top-10 class for Michigan football will finally come together. It features Hiter, a YouTube darling with videos outrunning those of future accountants, programmers, and mechanics. And get this, there will actually be highly-rated WRs to populate an un-flashy receivers room.
Transfer portal doings
Player freedom is a good thing, especially when they have just four years to “play.” It’s also a good thing for the college football “haves,” who can shed and add players to fit a constantly moving target. Michigan Football was successful with it during the championship season. Every new transfer is going to be Olu Oluwatimi!
Assistant coach shuffling
Speaking of shedding and adding… This may be the most important activity during the offseason. Coaches, analysts, and other staff members are sent on their way, and new ones are welcomed with open arms and burnished resumes. Retreads become Gandalf the Grey, a wise counselor and guru, and long-time assistants are technical and tactical savants.
Spring and fall practices
Finally! The team is actually preparing for the season, so let’s hear evaluations, new schemes, and good ol’ fundamentals. Reports on players “taking the leap” and units gelling. Stories about tranfers fitting in and freshmen outstripping expectations. Long pieces on captains being leaders by example. And ultimately, Sherrone declaring that the team is ready.
Cold comfort is an oxymoron
None of the above is adequate consolation, of course. A beat down is a beat down, and meted out by your rival makes it worse. Nothing will comfort Michigan football fans except for their team beating down the bad guys. So, weather the storm, Wolverines; endure the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. For yesterday is in the past, today there is hope, and tomorrow dawns anew.