The combination of arrogance and success has created tension between Michigan and many other teams. Even though the team is hated across the country, there is no denying its success. Michigan football does not have a losing record against any other team in the country. Also, throughout the years, they have collected a total of 20 bowl game titles.  It’s easy to cheer for a great team, but it’s even easier to hate them.

Michigan began their season this year with a highly anticipated game against Appalachian State. This was the only team in the country that Michigan had a losing record to. When they lost in 2007, it was considered one of the greatest upsets of all time.  At the time, Michigan was ranked in the top five of all teams in the country while Appalachian state was not even competing at the division one level. Given these facts, there were roughly 150 teams better than Appalachian state. As you might guess, Michigan wanted revenge.  They won 52-14.

Next up on the schedule was Notre Dame, one of many rivals of Michigan. The game was played under the lights in South Bend, Indiana. Tickets were selling as high as $9,950 because this would be the last meeting between the two teams for a number of years.  Michigan was blown out in a 31-0 loss. In the aftermath of the game, Michigan was repeatedly referred to as “chickens” for opting out of playing Notre Dame in the coming seasons.  If they hadn’t lost, they would have been praised by those who were now disowning them. It’s easy to love a team when they’re on top, but many of those fans do not remain loyal to their team during tough times.

Fans are beginning to become outraged with the teams performance on the field. “We thought we’d give them the benefit of the doubt but this was extremely disappointing. This is the worst I’ve seen the program,” said Tom Rogemoser to mlive.com. The atmosphere in the stadium, and in the city is not nearly as intense and exciting as it used to be.

Michigan is slowly losing its football fan base, which used to be the most popular sport in the program.  After this loss, the football program began giving away tickets in exchange for buying two Coca-Colas. The desperation being shown by the program is unfamiliar and depressing to fans. Michigan used to be one of the top teams in the country every season.  Now, some are considering them a “basketball school” because of their disappointing performance on the field. Low expectations have been set by many fans and experts in the sports world.  Those who are truly faithful will cheer the team on until the clock ticks down to zero.