Rebuilding is Not an Excuse

What does it mean when someone says "it's ok, they're just rebuilding"? Rebuilding...rebuilding what? Come on. Like that's an excuse to be awful?? We've seen it a million times - Notre Dame, Michigan, Miami, Nebraska, Florida State, the list goes on and on.

So, as I had a conversation with Ryan again today, we talked about a particular tweet that the University of Colorado's athletic department put out regarding the Buffs' tough schedule for 2011-12. Let's see here...Oregon (Homecoming, naturally), USC, Stanford, Cal, Arizona, UCLA, Arizona State, Utah, and Ohio State (thank goodness they're depleted on the player side or we'd be really sunk). Hm, let me see how this will play out...I'll save you the anticipation, it won't end well. Why? Because we're "rebuilding." Come on. Excuses. Basically, new head coach Jon Embree had better sack up and deal with the talent he has on the field and make some good play calls. In the meantime, the name of the game is recruiting. Go, Embree, go! Now's the time to capitalize on those pipelines in California and Texas. Recruit like there's no tomorrow...just don't break any NCAA rules (please). I'd like nothing more than to cheer LOUDLY for my alma matter in public places and to wear my Buffs Football shirt with pride, but for now I will continue with slow, cautious optimism until they actually start winning games. After all, it's not intramurals, right Dan Hawkins?

I know, my UM fascination I have continues on. They're in a similar situation as CU, though. Once at the apex of the college football world, they fell, and fast. It's been a rough uphill climb since the tumble after their last National Championship win in 2001. There were a few tumultuous years under Randy Shannon (who, by the way, deserves credit for really helping to impress the importance of academics and good behavior) with a few good moments, but a lot more ugly ones. Now that Al Golden is head coach, we'll see what happens, but I stick to my bottom line: it's all about recruiting. In a state like Florida where the talent is so rich, UM has to compete with UF, FSU, UCF, USF, and a myriad of smaller schools just to get guys on their field. It may seem counter-intuitive, but it makes it harder to recruit. Lots of competition for just a few guys. Without big-time players, how do you make the big-time wins? Can't exactly blame it on "rebuilding" now can you? So, Al Golden, usher us in to the new "Golden Era" of Miami football. Starting with the division title is a good place to begin.

Notre Dame has one of the richest traditions in collegiate football...the tradition of winning. Similar to UM, Notre Dame was a power house for years before their downfall and the even worse years under Charlie Weis. We heard the stories "Charlie Weis will save ND football!" False. Charlie Weis, for the offensive genius he was touted to be, dragged ND nation through hell. Rough couple of years there, eh? This year they have one of the strongest recruiting classes and are poised to sit atop the polls. We'll see what happens come August, but I feel good for ND. Granted, they haven't been without controversy (and tragedy) under new coach Brian Kelley who kept his job after the inexcusable and tragic death of a student, but they soldier on. We'll see what becomes of them, but again I stand by my view that rebuilding is not an excuse. Kelly recruited hard after just one year in the program, and now ND sits in the pre-season top 25 polls. My point is made.

(Hey CU...recruit hard, that's what I'm trying to say. Then maybe, just maybe, we can hit up a bowl game!)

Michigan sits in the same position. Another school with a storied legacy to uphold yet has had years of turmoil. Many blame (now) former coach Rich Rodriguez. Rich Rod, the charismatic coach with the spread offense who did no wrong at West Virginia had made every possible wrong decision at every possible turn at Michigan. So, as the Wolverines attempt to forget the Rich Rod era, they are hopeful that Brady Hoke is their man. For his sake, I hope he can lead UMich to a win over Ohio State and Michigan State....Rich Rod never could. It's all about recruiting now, and it's in Hoke's hands to turn the talent he can score into real results on the field.

I know, you all are shaking your heads, "but Sara, rebuilding and recruiting go hand in hand." YES...to an extent. An exciting, young, up-and-coming coach can recruit...but then again so can Joe Paterno. Just sayin'. Rebuilding a program from ruins is tough, no doubt, but should it be used as an excuse for not producing on the field? In my opinion, no. At the end of the day, are there any excuses for a crappy game on the field? I bet you if you poll head coaches, the majority say absolutely not. It's a cycle that rises and falls...no one school can be a powerhouse forever.

So, go Buffs, fight down that field...to at least 6 wins this season...please. Oh, and Michigan, Miami, Notre Dame, and all the other programs who are fighting to re-establish themselves can join you, too.