68 - September 2, 2008 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com I Preseason hype was high, butfirst loss is just a reminder that you can't expect perfection From Page 2B The loss to Utah was certainly a letdown, but let's face it - this year, the expectations are different. The transition from the Bo, Mo, Lloyd triumvirate to the Rich Rod family has created a new reality. Frankly, we're all a bit more real- istic. It used to be, every time a Michi- gan season rolled around there were doubters, but almost everyone felt the Wolverines had a legitimate shot to run the table. Those expectations weren't entirely unwarranted. Michigan has one of the best football programs in the country, no matter how much this year's teamstruggles. But there's a problem that comes with too much success: The bar keeps getting higher and higher until it is unreachable. Which brings us back to the difference between the Appalachian State and Utah losses. Last year under Lloyd, with Jake Long, Chad Henne and Mike Hart all in their final year of eligibility, nothing short of a National Cham- pionship would have been consid- ered a success - at least not in the minds of most fans. This year, Rich Rodriguez has brought a sobering dose of realism to a proud fan base. From day one, Rodriguez was honest enough to say he wasn't sure what this team would be like. Lloyd used to offer the same caveats, but we were trained to brush it aside. Michigan still had to have the perfect season. Michigan isn'tgoing to win the national championship this year. Winning the Big Ten title willbe a stretch. But chances are pretty good that the bowl appearance streak will continue. Whatever the result this season, Rodriguez has brought something to Michigan that it has sorely need- ed for a long time: perspective. The reality is that the spread offense is new to everyone on the field. Prepare yourself for many more "What just happened?" moments in the weeks ahead. The reality is, this team doesn't have a quarterback ideally suited to its offensive scheme. The reality is, it takes time for a coach to mold a program in his own image. Like last year, the Wolverines are now 0-1. Their national title hopes are gone, barring some inexplicable events. There are a lot of unan- swered questions. But unlike last year, it's easy to realize that Michigan is just one game into a 12-game season. It's easy to realize that this loss was in a non-conference game, meaning a Big Ten title, however unlikely, is still reachable. Most importantly, it's easy to realize that in college football per- fection is next to impossible. Even those fans in Columbus know that. - Sandals is feeling much better with the glass half-full approach. He can be reached at nsandals@umich.edu. CLEAN SWEEPS OF MICHIGAN KEEP THE FIRE FROM STARTING THE YOU WANT ONE YOU DON'T. SAIDALSALAH/Daily Michigancoach Rich Rodriguez talks to players during Saturday's garne against Utah, his first as Michigan's head coach. I lave your chimney cleaned today and take advantage for Fall savings.. Call our office today for an appointment. 734-6814780 or 800-428-3741 Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a Certified sweep Save $2-.00 on chimney cleaning thru August 31st SVINYASA I&II IA ASH TANG5A NIA TECHNIQUE KUNI)AL INI IYENGAR i I Buy used and save Buying used textbooks saves you 25% off the price of new. Rush to the bookstore for the best selection of used books. Order Your Textbooks Online Today www.whywaitforbooks.com Pierpont Commons Bookstore Pierpont Commons (North Campus) (734) 668-6022 Barnes & Noble at the University of Michigan 5305. State Street phone 734.995.8877 www.umichigan.bncollege.com bkaumichiganunion@bncollege.cxom I A Ij