Wolverines Handed Another Big Loss by Oregon

On Saturday I watched a hard, disheartening game as a Michigan sports fan. I watched the Wolverines get handed their second straight loss this season, and their fourth straight loss dating back to last year. Exactly one week after getting shocked by Appalachian State, Michigan experienced their worse loss since the days prior to Bo Schembechler coaching the boys in maize and blue. Oregon shocked Michigan and their fans in the big house, handing them a huge loss at 39-7.

Dennis Dixon, starting quarterback for Oregon racked up 368 yards and a career-high four touchdowns, leading the Ducks to a 25-point lead at halftime. This Oregon team, who has started the season with a big win now against Houston and Michigan, has beaten the collegiate team with the best overall winning percentage in all of football. Michigan however has now started off their year worse than anyone could have dreamed.

The Wolverines at 0-2 have not started the season like this since 1959 with two straight losses, and they have racked up four straight for the first time in four decades. At least last week, with their loss to Division I-AA Appalachian State, Michigan kept the game close. That was never the cases here.

Watching the game, you got the sinking suspicion that it was going to be a long day. The hearts and fire that once ran proudly in the Michigan Wolverines has been replaced by an empty, weak feeling when you look at this team suit up on Saturday. Chad Henne looked awful, throwing into defenses and landing a leg injury that will probably sideline him into next week.

Mike Hart didn't show much more poise either as a senior. Mike, who ran for ran for 127 yards has predicted a win for next week-guaranteed against the Fighting Irish. Never thought it would be the case, but I think they might go into this game underdogs against Notre Dame.

The saddest thing to see in this game? That would be the Michigan fans leaving in droves from the big house in the third quarter, realizing that yes, this is real and no; it is not a dream. Heartbroken and dissatisfied, these fans will be calling for the head of Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr in the coming days.

As a Michigan fan, the most ominous stat from these losses is this: The Wolverines have not won a game since Bo Schembechler passed away last year. The season, barely begun-is nearly over. Time to cheer on the boys in Honolulu and silver Michigan football fans-at least the Lions haven't disappointed yet.