Written by Bob Wojnowski at the Detroit News
You know the refrain, replayed loudly this time of year. It goes something like this: The bowl games aren’t what they used to be, they’re not as meaningful, they’re oddly named and played on random days and you don’t even have to win half your games to get in.
It’s become a handy echo chamber, especially since the four-team playoff was launched two years ago. And for any major program not named Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson or Washington, there’s a tinge of regret this holiday season. No doubt, Michigan lugs as much regret as anyone.
But don’t confuse disappointment with disillusionment. Don’t assume every bowl outside of the playoff games is rendered meaningless. Don’t do that to teams like Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan and Appalachian State.
And the message from the Wolverines: Don’t slap that tag on our game either. For the second straight bowl season under Jim Harbaugh, Michigan will play a traditional power in Florida for stakes not quite as high as hoped. When Michigan (10-2) faces Florida State (9-3) in the Orange Bowl Dec. 30, Hard Rock Stadium will be full and lots of people will be watching, and the Wolverines will have plenty to gain.
They could register the program’s sixth 11-victory season since 1905. They could beat another power in its home state in one of the exclusive New Year’s Six bowls. They could rightly say they’ve taken another key step, after blasting Florida 41-7 in the Citrus Bowl last year. And by some measure, Michigan could restore a bit of luster lost in the crusher against Ohio State.
Defending status
“It means everything to us,” said defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, who gave an added boost Wednesday by revealing he’ll return for his fifth season. “Not being in the playoff is really upsetting for everyone. We want to go down as one of the greatest defenses, and this game plays a factor in that. I mean, I don’t think anyone really remembers us for anything if we don’t win this game.”
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