The Love and Frustration of a Michigan Football Fan
As we grow older, our perspectives on certain things tend to change. For some, this includes their passion for college sports. Many argue that college sports have become nothing more than a cesspool of corruption and greed, and that they should have been abolished long ago. This sentiment particularly rings true for major sports like the NBA and NFL. After all, if these professional leagues want a developmental program, they should be the ones to foot the bill. However, there are some nostalgic pulls from childhood that never fade away. For me, one of those pulls is Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Now, I must clarify that I did not attend the University of Michigan. With my grades, I wouldn’t have stood a chance even if my last name happened to be “Ford” (despite my mother being a proud UM graduate). Nevertheless, due to the location of half of my family, I spent a significant portion of my childhood in Ann Arbor. It was there that I developed a deep love for the Michigan Wolverines, and a strong connection to the city itself. The memories of Ann Arbor, its sights, smells, and the feeling in the air during the fall season are etched into my being.
Of course, this connection is not unique to me. Every college football fan has a similar bond with their team and their town. The leaves may not look drastically different in Tuscaloosa, Columbus, or Austin compared to Ann Arbor, but it’s the familiarity and personal experiences that make it special. The drive into Ann Arbor on I-94, where you can barely see the town until you exit the highway, the rolling hills that hide most of the city from sight, the crispness in the air that is distinct to the area, and the electric atmosphere on game days all contribute to the unique charm of the place.
The walk to Michigan Stadium, fondly known as The Big House, on a Saturday can make a kid feel like they are part of something monumental. Even as I’ve grown older and perhaps more jaded, I still can’t shake off that sense of awe and excitement. It’s as if the entire world is converging on that stadium, united in their love for the Wolverines.
Michigan football has its own story, one that resonates with fans of the team. They were once the epitome of Midwestern football, grinding away in the harsh conditions of the Big Ten, wary of the forward pass. Their reward for enduring those freezing winters was a trip to Pasadena, where they would often face off against more athletic and creative teams from the Pac-10. The contrast between the two styles of football felt like a journey to another world. Michigan had their moments of triumph, such as when Charles Woodson graced the field, displaying a level of skill and confidence that felt more aligned with teams like USC or Florida. However, deep down, there was a lingering doubt that Michigan would struggle against more physical opponents like Nebraska. The memory of my brother informing me that the Huskers were touchdown favorites in a hypothetical championship game still haunts me.
Then came the era when Ohio State and even Michigan State embraced the changing landscape of college football, leaving Michigan seemingly stuck in the past. The Wolverines attempted to catch up, hiring coaches like Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke, but their efforts fell short. These were half-hearted attempts that didn’t live up to the standard expected of Michigan. The frustration was palpable, and fans resorted to mocking their rivals, particularly Ohio State, with accusations of corruption and inferior education. Yet, deep down, they knew it was merely jealousy.
This season, however, Michigan finally claimed a title that seemed to justify their pride. They did so by embracing a style of play that harkened back to their roots, with a coach who had the pedigree to lead them. It was a throwback to a time when Michigan football was known for a suffocating defense and a relentless running game. The only difference was that they now had better players executing that style. It almost felt like college football had come full circle.
Yes, Michigan fans can be obnoxious. We know that. But show me a college football fandom that isn’t. The belief that Michigan is cut from a different cloth is not unique to their fans; it exists among fans of every team. Michigan may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Monday night’s victory was a celebration for those who remember what Ann Arbor feels like in the fall.
As we reflect on the love and frustration that comes with being a Michigan football fan, let’s appreciate the unique connection that sports can create. Despite the flaws and controversies that surround college sports, there’s something undeniably special about the memories and emotions they evoke. So, whether we continue to support our favorite teams or find ourselves disillusioned with the state of college sports, let’s hold onto the moments that made us fall in love in the first place.
