The Wolverine

February 2019

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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4 THE WOLVERINE FEBRUARY 2019 ON THE BOWL LOSS Dear The Wolverine, I can understand why four Michigan star players elected to sit out the Peach Bowl. Each of them has a 10- to 15-year pro career and millions of dollars in their future — why ruin it by risking a serious injury in the bowl game? After all, the four players played their hearts out for the team and for years they bled Maize and Blue. While I thank each of them for their many years of fine service, I sure wish they would have joined their broth- ers and played one final game. Per- haps that strong Gator team would have won the game in any event, but it would have been much closer had they played. I thought the defense was particu- larly hampered by the loss of line- backer Devin Bush and defensive end Rashan Gary — Florida had several long runs they may well have stopped. A holding penalty on the backup right tackle likely cost us a touchdown, and the absence of Karan Higdon clearly hurt the running attack. Ironically, Florida turned the game around when their star future pro — Chauncey Gardner — picked off a pair of passes that resulted in two scores. I sincerely wish that each of the four enjoy long, successful pro careers, and I look forward to watching a strong Michigan team in 2019. Harvey Dasho Walnut Creek, Cal. INTRIGUING QUESTIONS Dear The Wolverine, Jim Harbaugh is a good coach, just not an elite coach like Nick Saban, Dabo Swinney or even Urban Meyer, even though he's gone. The teams of those three just play with a higher energy level, athleticism and smart- ness. The loss to Florida puts Harbaugh at, correct me if I'm wrong, 1-9 against top-10 teams. That's horrible! If this was Ohio State, he would be fired by now. I know it's just "one game," but we said the same thing after the Notre Dame and Ohio State games. Pretty soon you just have to say it: Har- baugh is average, and we are stuck with him. I also know four starters didn't play but what about the old saying "next man up?" Don't we have the talent to fill in the holes to get the job done? I don't blame Harbaugh for this mess. I blame former AD Bill Mar- tin. He hired Rich Rodriguez for a cultural change. Yeah, he changed the culture all right — from winning to losing! A lot of people are mad right now with Harbaugh, even though he won 10 games. He needs to produce something the next two years, like an outright East Division or Big Ten title. That would be six years as head coach, ample time to prove some- thing. If he doesn't a lot more people will be upset. When was the last time a five-star actually played up to his five-star rating at Michigan? Jabrill Peppers was close, but he didn't win any- thing. Another intriguing question is when was last time a Michigan true freshman made a true impact? I think Chad Henne is the best answer for both questions. He was a five- February 2019 • Vol. 30, No. 6 ISSN 1048-9940 Editor John Borton The Wolverine.com Editor Chris Balas Football Recruiting Writer Brandon Brown Staff Writers Austin Fox Drew Hallett Editorial Intern Andrew Hussey Managing Editor Ryan Tice Contributing Editor Steve Downey Layout And Design Jeanette Blankenship Chris Miller Contributing Photographers Lon Horwedel Per Kjeldsen Cover Photo Per Kjeldsen Publisher Stu Coman Business Manager Linda Autry Marketing/Merchandise Manager Beverly Taylor Director Of Advertising Michelle Delee-Hamilton Customer Service Cathy Jones, Gail Evans The Wolverine is published monthly. A one-year (12 issues) subscription is $52.99. The Wolverine is printed at The Papers in Milford, Ind. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Wolverine, P.O. Box 2331, Durham, NC 27702. Periodical postage paid at Durham, NC 27702 and additional offices. For advertising or subscription information, call 1-800-421-7751 or write The Wolverine, P.O. Box 1304, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. The Wolverine is a publication of Coman Publishing Company, 905 W. Main St, Suite 24F, Durham, NC 27701. E-Mail Address: thewolverine@comanpub.com Subscription questions: cjones@comanpub.com Website: www.thewolverine.com Be Heard! Send your letters to: Wolverine Letters • P.O. Box 1304 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 Or e-mail: ryantice@comanpub.com Letters may be edited for clarity or length.   FROM OUR READERS Jim Harbaugh has led the Wolverines to three 10-win seasons during his four years in charge, but fans are left wanting more. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN

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