Discussion: What has it been like being a Michigan fan these past few weeks?

The Michigan Wolverines are your Big Ten champs for the 2021 season! After an absolute beatdown in Indy last weekend against Iowa, Michigan improved to 12-1 on the season and retained their No. 2 ranking. They received the program’s first ever invite to the CFP and will face the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl in three weeks.

All week, Michigan players and coaches have been racking up the hardware, the most recent at the time of this writing being head coach Jim Harbaugh earning the AP National Coach of the Year. Wolverine fans eagerly anticipate the Heisman trophy ceremony tomorrow evening with Aidan Hutchinson representing Michigan in NYC.

It’s hard to believe that only a week ago Michigan was in Indianapolis. I was fortunate enough to be able to go to the game this past weekend, venturing in from California. The streets of Indy were inundated with Michigan fans and the swell of pride was only comparable to representing Michigan in San Antonio three years ago. We crammed ourselves into bars full of Maize and Blue, with a smattering of Iowa and OSU fans that found their taunts falling on uninterested ears. The Iowa fans were even more confused when, instead acknowledging the Hawkeyes’ presence, chants of “F Ohio” reverberated throughout the bars.

Lucas Oil Stadium is a beautiful venue, providing excellent views from wherever you sit. It was surreal to be there. Our section was directly in line with the Michigan endzone. Right in front of me was the 67 yard rushing TD from Blake Corum and the 75 yard flea flicker TD from Donovan Edwards to Roman Wilson. I couldn’t contain my joy. While the rest of the first half was unremarkable, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Michigan was going to win. Did you feel the same? If not, when was the moment you knew Michigan was going to win?

I went walking around the concourse in the second half and ended up at the top of the section behind Michigan’s goal post. From here, I watched Hassan Haskins’ first TD of the game. Hawkeye fans in this area were exasperated and walking away in groups, maybe to grab another beer or two. Unfortunately for them, they were greeted by me jumping up and down at the top of their section. Across the field, by Iowa’s endzone, the Hawkeye student section started to falter. At this point the whole stadium knew that Michigan was going to win, but by how much was yet to be determined.

With only one punt for the Maize and Blue in the second half and Michigan finding the endzone four more times, the Wolverines pummeled Iowa, 42-3. Black, blue, and white confetti rained down from the ceiling and Iowa disappeared quietly as Michigan’s sideline erupted. Maize and Blue faithful watched as the team lifted up their Big Ten championship trophy. The Michigan players erupted into “Hutch for Heisman” chants after Aiden Hutchinson addressed them and the fans when he won the game MVP. I felt so proud during that moment; my alma mater were champs! What was your favorite moment from last week’s game?

The Wolverines have been the recipients of several honors during the week, as they rightfully deserve. They’ve pulled off quite the feat this season, with a lot of people doubting they could have made it to the CFP at the beginning of the year. As they continue their storied season, how do you think Michigan will fare in their game against Georgia? This extends from another controversy around Harbaugh: his inability to consistently win in bowl games. Will this narrative also be put to rest this season?

Whatever has been working for Michigan all season should be enough to keep their season alive into the new year. Georgia is a beatable team as some chinks in their armor were revealed last week during the SEC championship game. The Wolverines are fully capable of taking them head on. Do you think Michigan has what it takes to get to the biggest stage in college football? Can they get past Georgia to make their first appearance in the National Championship?

We all have nothing but time to ponder the what ifs over the next few weeks. It will be a storybook ending to Michigan’s 2021 season should they come away with two more wins. Even if it isn’t in the cards for the Wolverines, I think this team set the precedence for Michigan’s future. This season taught the country what Michigan is capable of. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? I think a lot of D1 hopefuls are thinking the same thing. The Wolverines have pulled in some flashy recruits this week, with hopefully more in their future.

This season has felt like the long awaited change that fans have been longing for. The Wolverines have been successful under Harbaugh before, but this year they have met nearly every expectation. Do you think this season’s successes hinge on how Michigan does in the CFP? Or do you think they have already cemented a successful season?

The last few weeks have been a dream. Michigan came away with a win against their rival and got a Big Ten title. They are No. 2 in the country after starting the year unranked and will be led by the AP Coach of the Year and Heisman candidate in their first CFP appearance. I have felt immense pride for Michigan this year and I don’t think it will stop anytime soon. What has it been like for you being a Michigan fan these last few weeks? What are the moments from this season that will stick with you?

Share your thoughts on the season with us in the comments below!