Ok, Ok, They're Improving

Fluke: noun, unlikely chance occurrence, especially a surprising piece of luck
Synonyms: coincidence, accident, twist of fate

I'm a teacher, you all know that.  I teach English Language Arts to Middle School students.  Today one of our vocabulary words was "fluke."  Once they were given the definition, they were able to come up with the synonyms.  It was a beautiful thing in the world of teaching.  Kids making connections, learning something new, having a growth mindset, it's what we live for in our profession.

It's also what I live for as a fan.  And guess what, I think it is finally happening with this team.  I was hesitant to post after Wisconsin.  Know that I was supremely excited, hopeful, and happy, but I've been down this road before.  One good showing, doesn't mean things have really changed.  I was afraid it was a........fluke.  It was one of the best complete games this team has put together in quite some time.  Things seemed to be clicking, improvements were seen, but I wasn't yet convinced that this was what our team was going to be moving forward.   Until Saturday.

I know many people think the Devin Bush incident was criminal, childish, uncalled for, blah, blah, blah, whatever, whatever, whatever. While I do agree it was childish, it got me fired up as a fan.  For far too long, Michigan has seemed complacent when it came to this rivalry.  They acted like it didn't matter anymore. They said it did, but they didn't act like it.  That childish move showed me it did matter.  They were tired of getting beat. Tired of taking the high road, only to be insulted by the Spartans.  Tired of the media saying they were weak.  Tired of losing and having to live with that until next season.  So, if a little dirt and turf scuffing is what it takes to get you fired up and ready to go out there and play every play the hardest you can and play through the whistle.......then scuff all the dirt and turf you need. By the way, did anyone see that locker room celebration? "It's great! To be! A Michigan Wolverine!" That helped me, too. Coach Harbaugh right in the mix, the players singing, jumping, and just reveling in the win.  They do care! They finally played like they care.

The defense is stellar. They will keep Michigan in every game for the remainder of the season.  I am confident of that.  The offense is improving week to week.  Do they still make mistakes? Of course, but they are much better. I saw a glimpse of some old mistakes in the 3rd quarter from the Oline, but the next series was better.  That's progress in my gradebook. Let's keep this trend going and finish out the season strong.  Who knows, maybe we'll be in the CFP?

Pick six motivators:
1. Could every team going forward be "bush league?"
2. Keep this revenge tour going, full steam ahead.
3. Remember how badly those losses stung last year.
4. Silence the haters and critics that say we can't beat a ranked opponent.
5. The Harbaugh of old seems to resurfacing, and I love it!
6. Being at the TOP of the Big 10 East