Tony Alford's class act move after WMU win might go unnoticed but definitely shouldn't

There has to be a winner and a loser, and in Week 1, Michigan somehow came out as the winner, even when it seemed impossible. Western Michigan thought they were going to leave Ann Arbor victorious when the game clock struck zero the first time, but a replay review gave Michigan one last shot that it didn't waste, leaving the Broncos heartbroken and in disbelief.

It is completely understandable that Western Michigan players were visibly emotional on the field after the Wolverines scored on the improbable Hail Mary to win the game. The Broncos thought they had already won and had it stripped from them due to a replay review. Seeing the emotion from the opposing side, Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford showed why he is such an amazing person on and off the field.

Alford didn't join the crowd that had stormed the field; he didn't even go and celebrate with his guys right away. Instead, Alford walked over to the opposing sideline and sat with players from Western Michigan, consoling them and congratulating them on a game well played.

It wasn't just one or two players; Alford made his way around the field speaking to many Western Michigan players. It was more than just a handshake or a quick hug, he sat and talked with guys, making the encounter personal for each player.

Tony Alford is simply a class act.

Tony Alford showed that sportsmanship should never be lost, even in a crazy ending

It was easy to overlook Western Michigan's reaction to the end of the game. All the attention went to the call the refs made, the Hail Mary, and Michigan's poor play throughout the game. This is a Western Michigan team whose season drastically changed in literally one second.

A win against Michigan could have been the difference between a College Football Playoff appearance and not. With really only Boise State as its toughest opponent left, the Broncos won't face another power conference opponent this season. A perfect season could have been the ticket Western Michigan needed to the at-large spot in the CFP.

So, when Alford saw those guys on the opposing sideline, he immediately showed what good sportsmanship looks like. It is easy to lose that with a crazy ending like this game had, but Alford made the time, and it's something that might go unnoticed in the national media, but not here.

Alford has seen his name in the news a bit more than usual in the offseason, especially when he shared his story about making the move from Ohio State to Michigan. This is just another layer to Alford as a coach, and it's one that shows this was a home run hire for Michigan.

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