NON-CON4ENCE- - 'M' faces more than rematch with Buffaloes No pep talks. No reminders. No need. The Wolverines all know what they- have to do. They all remember what happened Sept. 24, 1994, whether they were on the field, on the sideline, or on their way to play for Michigan. They all remember the perfect season that was killed in its infancy. They all remember national championship hopes falling into the sewer as the ball fell into Michael Westbrook's arms with no time left. They all bristle, itch, burn and squirm at the thought. What might have been? Why hasn't Michigan ever been the same? Two years ago, Colorado came into Michigan Stadium to face the Wolverines, who had just won a euphor- ic classic with Notre Dame and nur- tured visions of a true return to college football's elite. A top-five ranking. An undefeated season. Michigan's first national championship since 1948. For most of the game, the Wolverines pounded the Buffaloes, and their 26-14 lead after the third quarter was stun- ning. The crowd taunted the Colorado sideline with chants: "We're No. l!" and "Overrated!" The players never admitted it, but many seemed to be thinking the same thing. Then there was a fumble. Then a touchdown. Then the Hail Mary. I Everyone's enthusiasm was prema- ture. Everone was dead quiet. The Wolverines lost, 27-26, and went on to lose three more games after that. This week, revenge is sure to be a hot topic. Redemption is sure to be dis- cussed. Proving something is sure to be a priority. But these things are for the media and the fans. On the field, the lineups have changed, and so have the times. The Buffaloes are still on top of col- lege football, but the characters are dif- ferent. Stewart is now Koy Detmer. Westbrook is now Rae Carruth. Rashaan Salaam is now Herchell Troutman. And coach Bill McCartney is-now Rick Neuheisel. The Wolverines are still formidable, but they take no national title hopes to Boulder, and some say they take little chance of winning. Doesn't matter. Talk to someone like Jarrett Irons - who was on the field that day in 1994, saw that pass complet- ed, and saw his season drop incomplete - and there is something else. Irons doesn't want to talk about it too much. Unlike 1994, he doesn't want to win so he can say, "We're No. 1!" He wants only to come home and say, "We won!" He doesn't want revenge, redemption or whatever. Those are someone else's words. He has his own, and they are simple. "I can't wait," he says. "I can't wait." He says there is nothing more to say, because, maybe, there isn't. - Nicholas J. Cotsonika The Hail Mary. FILE PHOTO/Daily DINE IN + CARRY BREAKFAST ALL DAY * LUNCH ' 3 EGG OMELETTES " CONEYS 'BURGERS ' SPINACH PIE " SHISH KABOBS * GYROS " GREEK SALADS OPEN TILL 4AM'THURSDAY FRIDAY & SUN. MONrWED. THUI BAM-4PM 8AMiM 8 A 215 S..STATE STI (LOCATED BETWEEN URBAN OUTFrITER (313) 662-633w i I I I 4 SAME DAY CONTACTS* i 44N? SIT AT Have it AIat the OUTFITTER ' eye care centers J " Walk-Ins Welcome " We Fill Outside Rx's 9 Complete Eye Exams c111 cit illW " Eve. & Weekend Hours Michigan Union Bookstore's Tailg9atePartyEvery Football Saturday 333 S. MAIN - ANN ARBOR, MI4 Backpacking * Campin Mountaineering X-Country Outdoor Clothing Celebrating twenty years as your outdoor equ specialists. Free Food A Huge Selection Of Michigan Clothing and Spirit Items . .; .. . J. .. Hours: Mon.- a Fri. & Sat.10-8 31 ... a n A i r r A M I CHkI G A UNION I :1.1.1 Z 0 li 0-1 Tk: N N 1--aw '-Raw m Ift w m 1144W m lk .r. . . .:. ,. ,,.. - r . .._ (313)761 1-800-77 VISA m M tee! Ground Floor of the Michigan Union 995-8877 9 Open 7 days