Fail to the Victors: Michigan Winless in Seven Straight

When Michigan lost in overtime during last season's National Championship game, "Wolverine Nation" figured that they would do what they always do: re-load, and take another shot at the national title.

At this point, the Wolverines wouldn't mind just getting a win.

It's not supposed to happen like this. Michigan started off at their usual tempo, going 7-2-1 through their first 10 games. During that span, they swept then #7 Ferris State, and split against #6 Western Michigan. All was good in the land of maize and blue.

Then there was the surprise loss and tie against Miami (OH). And being swept by Ohio State for the first time since 1989 (the first in Ann Arbor since 1986). Oh, and that ever-so-embarrassing loss to a struggling Northeastern University. And that awful game against Union College. 

Yeah. And now a 4-3 loss to a CCHA bottom-tier hockey squad from the University of Alaska.

Michigan is without a win in seven games, and is stuck in the conference basement with a measly
12 points on the year. (http://www.ccha.com/default.aspx)

Wow.

It's a team that's ridiculously confusing. The most probable explanation is the 10 freshman on the team, a number which surpasses the total number of juniors and seniors combined. Even with a younger team, Michigan has never had trouble with recruiting. Citing youth as the scapegoat for a struggling season will not appease the Ann Arbor faithful, especially when goaltender Shawn Hunwick still anchors the team as a fifth-year senior.

Michigan had a fast start, but a weak schedule. Then took 9 out of 12 points from  the #6 and #7 teams in the country during back-to-back series. Then lost five in a row and went win-less in seven.

Yet football coach Brady Hoke's words ring true: "We're Michigan." That's right, Wolverines. You are Michigan. The tradition in your program is second-to-none.

But tradition means nothing when you're not winning.