by David Uberti
Before the start of the 2009 season, Rich Rodriguez’s tenure as head coach at Michigan could be likened to a train wreck. A West Virginia court ruled that he owed WVU $4 million of his previous contract’s signing bonus. The Detroit Free Press published a story on alleged rules violations, leading to an NCAA inquiry into the program. And, of course, his 2008 Champions of the West did not appear in a bowl game for the first time in 33 years.
But a 4-0 start seemed to dissolve all of Rodriguez’s problems. All the questions about Michigan’s lengthy practices and Rodriguez’s character seemed to quickly fade away. This was helped largely in part to an improbable, come-from-behind win against then-No. 18 Notre Dame, which truly made the Big House believe.
All of that good will is now gone
The Victors celebrate after coming from behind to beat Notre Dame, 38-34. (RASHAUN RUCKER/DFP)
After their blistering start, the Wolverines lost in overtime to cross-state rival Michigan State for the second time in as many years. Week Six saw them drop a close game to then-No. 12 Iowa. A 63-6 blowout of FCS team Delaware State did little to shape up Michigan after the two close losses, as it was followed by blowout defeats at the hands of Penn State and Illinois.
Now the Maize and Blue sit at 5-4 with three games remaining, tiptoeing the precipice of failure. If Rodriguez cannot rally his troops to become bowl eligible, many in Ann Arbor will, and should, be calling for his head.
Sure, he drastically changed a pro-style system that had been in place for years. And yes, the mobile quarterback of his dreams is only a true freshman. But Michigan hired Rodriguez to bring the Wolverines back to the national stage; to compete with Ohio State and Penn State for BCS bowl berths. His 1-4 record in the Big Ten this year is not convincing that he can do so.
Rich Rodriguez shows his disappointment in his teams play against Illinois. Michigan lost, 38-13. (SETH PERLMAN/AP)
When it comes down to it, an 8-13 record over a year and a half doesn’t quite cut it to be the head coach of the winningest program in college football history.
The road ahead will not be easy for Rodriguez and Co. After playing Purdue at home this week, they travel to No. 21 Wisconsin before returning home to play against Ohio State. Nothing is certain in that stretch, as Purdue beat Ohio State only two weeks ago and lost to Wisconsin the following game by 37.
The fate of Michigan’s season might come down to one game: Ohio State. That’s the way Michigan should want it. Then the Champions of the West will really see how Rodriguez performs when he’s fighting for his life. Then they’ll find out if he really can be a Michigan Man.
November 5th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
No way Rodriguez conquers the Sweater Vest. Seeing him ride out of MI with his tail between his legs in the offseason is going to be very gratifying..
O-H
I-O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!