Holy Crap! Michigan Plays For The National Title TONIGHT!
It’s kind of a weird feeling. It’s a day that I wasn’t sure I’d ever see. I’ve seen my teams play for championships before. Michigan basketball has played for the National Championship twice in my lifetime. I definitely remember those vividly. There is something emotional about the experience that comes with playing in that final game. Win or lose, this will be the final game of the college football season. There’s something remarkable about that accomplishment. This program, this team in particular, has taken these fans on an absolute roller coaster. Say what you will, but I don’t think any college football season ever compares to this year‘s Michigan football campaign. It has been a bizarre, joyous ride, I’m unbelievably proud of them, but damn I want this one.
Michigan is a better football team than Washington. They have the advantage up front. They should control the line of scrimmage. They have a better defense. Having a better team has not stopped Jim Harbaugh from losing games in the past. Michigan had no business even being close to TCU in the Fiesta Bowl last year, and somehow, they lost. Michigan and their uncharacteristic mistakes on special teams nearly cost them the Rose Bowl game against Alabama. All those mistakes of the past linger in the back of my head. What if they lay another egg tonight? I don’t know. I don’t want it. It’s always felt like this team is different. They have one more chance to show that they are.
As a fan, this is all you can ask for. I'm as guilty of anyone as being a "What have you done for me lately?" guy. But I've recently asked myself, "Have I found a way to enjoy this? "This might not happen again. I think I have. I've looked forward to every game. But the stress has been very real. We know this is their best shot.
No matter what happens tonight, I will feel slightly sad when the clock strikes zero. There are no other games to look forward to. There are no other boxes to check off. This is the Apex, the pinnacle of college football. There was a time when we wondered whether or not Jim Harbaugh could return Michigan to its rightful place of prominence. He's done that. The last three years have shown that. I wouldn't trade these last three seasons for anything. At many points, it has felt like a magic carpet ride, But please, please, please, just win one more.