This college football season has been one of prominence and importance, as we have seen some of the most unexpected upsets, dominant performances, and intense rivalries that make people love watching the sport. One team that fans were unsure of coming into the season was the defending champions of college football, the Michigan Wolverines. I sat down with theology teacher Mr. Tull, a passionate fan and knowledgeable observer of the sport. I talked with Mr. Tull and asked him several questions on his opinions on Michigan’s team this year and other topics related to the college football season thus far. From analyzing Michigan’s standout players to discussing the high-stakes rivalries that define college football, Mr. Tull shares his thoughts on what makes this season special and what lies ahead for the Wolverines.
Q: How did you originally become a Michigan football fan?
Mr. Tull Grew up in Ann Arbor Michigan, was born and raised a fan of the Michigan Wolverines. He truly became a fan in 1997, when they won their first national championship. He was 7 years old at the time and became a huge sports fan in general following this.
Q: What are your thoughts on Michigan’s performance this season? Are they meeting, exceeding, or falling short of expectations?
A: Definitely falling a little short of what I was hoping for. I did not expect another national championship run this season, but also did not expect a 5-5 record. There are teams who are better than I thought coming into this season, but Michigan also played worse than anticipated. The biggest problem was the quarterback play, with Alex Orji. The lack of Jim Harbaugh as a leader of the team also affected.
Q: How do you think Jim Harbaugh leaving for the NFL has affected the team?
A: This season, it made a huge difference. His leadership, how he created the culture at Michigan, and how they were willing to follow him seemed to really make a big impact on the program.
Q: Who do you think has been the standout player for Michigan this year, and why?
A: Colston Loveland has been breaking records left and right for a tight end. I would also say Josiah Stewart. Getting the pressures at the edge and making sacks. Those are the two standouts that have made the biggest difference in my opinion. Colston Loveland continues to prevail despite the lack of quarterback play.
Q: What is your prediction for the Michigan-Ohio state game this year?
A: Michigan will win. They’ve said they will run us over three years in a row, and Michigan continues to prevail. 27-24 Michigan! (actual result, 13-10 Michigan victory)
Q: Do you believe that Michigan will be able to defeat Northwestern this weekend and become a bowl eligible team?
A: No doubt. Its senior day, Michigan will be able to beat Northwestern. Theres no better way to finish your season than to ruin Ohio state’s season. The seniors will want to go out strong and against a not great team like Northwestern after a bye week, there is no doubt that they will win. (actual result, 50-6 Michigan victory)
Q: What has been the biggest surprise in college football this year, either nationally or in the Big Ten?
A: It’s that there is not one dominant team in college football. Everyone has looked susceptible at some point. Bama, Georgia and Texas are all beating up on each other. Oregon has been dominant but has also shown several signs of beat-ability, which keeps games up in the air. There hasn’t been one clear-cut number one like we saw last season. While the 12 team playoff might be too many teams, it is exciting because it gives many teams an opportunity for the title.
As you could tell from the interview, Mr. Tull is a very passionate fan and connoisseur of the game. He made several points throughout our interview that I though were notable. Just as he predicted, Michigan beat Northwestern in a blowout victory and secured themselves a spot in a bowl game vs the University of Alabama. They will play the crimson tide on December 31st in Tampa Florida at the ReliaQuest bowl, which will be a great matchup to end the season. In addition, Mr. Tull’s prediction of Ohio State vs Michigan proved correct, as the Wolverines upset the Buckeyes with a 13-10 victory at Ohio stadium. With Michigan beating Ohio State for another year, making the win streak increase to 4 consecutive years , they have made it clear that they are dominant team in this historic rivalry, and Ohio State remains the little brother to the superior Wolverines.
An additional point was made about how the absence of Jim Harbaugh has made a major impact on the team. Just like Mr. Tull said, I believe Jim Harbaugh as the head of the team made a big difference in the team’s success in past and why they were able to prevail last year as national champions under his great leadership. Despite his lack of presence this season, I believe that Michigan was still able to make themselves heard within the college football world. With a great recruiting class coming to Ann Arbor next season, and the recent commitment flip of the #1 recruit in the nation Bryce Underwood, there is no doubt that Michigan has a bright future ahead of them.
