Collegiate Times

Image: 2012-01-02 16:28:07

For the first time since 2007, the Michigan Wolverines are back in a BCS bowl game.

Six years might not seem long for most programs, but in Ann Arbor, it might as well be a lifetime.

So while a win in Tuesday’s Sugar Bowl would seem to just be adding another trophy to a well-stocked trophy case, it means more than that.

“Our struggles the previous three seasons have really made this season all the more sweet,” said Wolverines safety Jordan Kovacs. “I think those have helped us this season because it’s made us even hungrier than ever before. A lot of our success this season can be attributed to those past struggles.”

That success was a pleasant surprise to some this season, as the Wolverines fired Rich Rodriguez during the summer and hired San Diego State coach, and former Michigan assistant, Brady Hoke.

In just his first season, Hoke has managed to do what his predecessor could not: a 10-win season with a win over hated-rival Ohio State.

Behind the improvement has been the concentration, and ensuing success, on defense. After all, the personnel Hoke is using on that side of the ball is more or less the same as it was a year ago when it finished No. 107 in the nation in scoring defense (35.2 points per game).

“There's a mentality and an expectation, and there's a pride, and (having) coached there at Michigan before, there's a pride that you play Michigan defense and Michigan football,” Hoke said.

“But I think all those guys on defense are such good teachers from a fundamental and technique standpoint and expectations that our guys hear every day of how you play Michigan football,” he said.

That new focus and leadership has trimmed over two touchdowns off the opponents score sheet this year, as Michigan is giving up just 17.2 points per game — good enough to be ranked No. 7 in the nation.

“We came so far (this year),” said Michigan linebacker Kenny Demens. “That credit goes out to our coaches. A large part goes to the seniors. They do a great job of making this team their team and keeping everybody on board including the freshman guys and making sure they are confident when they step up and play.”

Leading that defense is a group of seniors including defensive linemen Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen, as well as cornerback Troy Woolfork. Martin and Van Bergen have seen drastic improvement in just about every statistical category this year, but more importantly, all three were singled out by Hoke as being the leaders and teachers of the defense.  

While the defense has made monumental improvements, the Wolverine offense has maintained its success, averaging 34.2 points per game.

Despite having to adjust to a new coordinator in Al Borges, the offense has put up similar numbers to what it produced in Rodriguez’s spread offense a year ago.

The Wolverine’s biggest weapon isn’t exactly an unknown — quarterback Denard Robinson has been compared to Michael Vick because of his almost-freakish athleticism and ability to make the seemingly impossible happen.

As strange as it may sound, that dynamic aspect of Robinson’s game has actually been a challenge for Borges.

Before this season, Borges’ offenses had always run a more pro-style offense, where the quarterback doesn’t run and is more of a pocket passer.

That offense will almost certainly be a big part of the Wolverines future, but until the personnel he recruits takes over, Borges has spent the majority of the season tweaking his offense to fit Robinson’s strengths.

Continue Reading: 12 Next » 

A version of this article appeared in the Jan 2 issue of the Collegiate Times.