The next day

24 hours ago I was arriving home from a brutal beat down by my Wolverines at the hand of Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl.

A day later the sting has gone, but the memory of the worst bowl loss in Michigan history will stay forever, and the fallout of the debacle will soon start.

Michigan's Athletic Director, and former Wolverine, Dave Brandon, will meet with Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez early in the coming week, evaluating where he believes the program is at, and where it is headed.

Most Michigan fans, myself included, believe Rodriguez has coached his final game as the Wolverine leader, and that it's just a matter of time before he is released of his duties.

There were many positives in this years team, however, all of them were on offense.

Sophomore QB Denard Robinson became the first player in NCAA history to rush and pass for 200+ yards in two games in a single season, and broke the NCAA record for rushing yards in a single season by a QB, with 1,538.

Robinson was also voted the Big Ten's MVP, and he was awarded by the Chicago Tribune with the Silver Football, which is given to the Big Ten Player of the Year.


Robinson was simply the best offensive player in the conference, and Michigan's most electrifying player since Desmond Howard.


The defense, on the other hand, struggled all year, and the young players were simply out manned in nearly every conference game, as they gave up chunks of yardage game after game.


The kicking game was a nightmare, with two kickers combing to go just 4-14 on the year, including a 35 yard miss in the Gator Bowl.


The Wolverines finished 7-6, a winning record, but that will be forgotten by most of the fans, and the media, who always seem to glorify the negative in sports.


If I had a decision, I would keep Rodriguez as the coach, but demand an immediate change in the coaching staff.


The defensive coaches, along with the 3-3-5 defense must be fired, starting with Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams.


In my best guess, I see this offense, with a ton of Juniors and Sophomores, few Seniors, blowing away any defense they face. 


What has to happen is for the other side of the ball, especially the D-Line, to get better. 

The trenches of the Big Ten won't get any easier next year, when Nebraska enters the league.


If coach Rodriguez has coached his last game, I salute him for his service, and wish him well.


Coach Rodriguez is a good coach, a fine man, and he will land on his feet with that offense.


If Jim Harbaugh becomes the Wolverines Head Football coach, I will be happy, and, as always, I will support the leader of the Maize and Blue.


If there is a change, the powers that be better get their collective ducks in a row, and not miss, like they did in 2007, when they thought Les Miles was ready to leave LSU in the middle of winning a National Championship run.


2011 didn't start out well for us Michigan fans, and we have to wait a very long 9 months for the kickoff in the Big House on September 3rd against Western Michigan.


In the meanwhile, there's recruiting, the Spring Game, and fall practice.


Oh, and the biggest thing of all...who will be leading the Wolverines during all those activities.