The Rockets will be sent to the Big House on Oct. 11 to take on the University of Michigan in an experience that could be as life-changing as actually going to the big house.

Competing against teams historically known for successful programs tends to resemble hanging around with a tough crowd: someone’s bound to get hurt.

Fortunately for the Rockets, doing time in the Big House may not leave them limping home like it could have in years past. As of week six, the Wolverines have yet to rough up any of their opponents, including Mid-American Conference member Miami.

UT coach Tom Amstutz said he sees the game as a “very big challenge and opportunity” for his players to go up against a powerhouse. Although Michigan is slumping while adjusting to a system change under new head coach Rick Rodriguez, Amstutz is motivating his players to stay focused on the Wolverines’ capabilities.

“No. 1, respect the program,” Amstutz said. “They have outstanding players; they have a program that’s among the ‘winningest’ programs in the country, and that stands on its own. Our players respect that.”

In a 16-6 victory, Michigan held the Redhawks to two field goals and denied two drives inside its own 10-yard line. Respectable, but its offense scored only two touchdowns against a team in a lower division, which rarely impresses AP rankings. The Wolverines set the tone with a 50-yard pass on their first play from scrimmage that led to a 77-yard touchdown drive. Then they relaxed, earning only another 117 yards until a fourth-quarter drive sealed the game on a 15-yard TD run.

During the season opener, Utah withstood a 15-point, fourth-quarter Wolverines rally to edge them 25-23. Utes quarterback Brian Johnson threw for 305 yards, most in the first half, then led drives to set up four field goals by kicker Louie Sakoda, including a career-best 53-yarder. Utah walked away from the Big House unscathed en route to a five-game winning streak.

After a 35-17 away loss to Notre Dame, Michigan returned to its own turf, beating Wisconsin 27-25 with a  late-game comeback. The Badgers at first lived up to their name and shut down the Wolverines until the fourth quarter. Down 19-0, Michigan scored 20 fourth-quarter points to lead 27-19 with 1:19 remaining. Wisconsin mounted a 64-yard touchdown drive, but a successful two-point attempt to tie the game came back because of a penalty, and the second attempt failed.

Sure, the three losses were against D-I schools, but it seems a pattern is developing: Good teams are beating the Wolverines, and mediocre teams are keeping the score close. If Michigan’s offense starts to accelerate, it eventually may become a perennial contender for the Big Ten title much like it did during most of its existence.

“Most of these guys grew up in this area and watched UM play as kids on TV and always dreamed of being in that kind of environment for a football game,” Amstutz said. “And now they have the opportunity to actually go to the Big House and play a football game.”

This entry was posted on Friday, October 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 am and is filed under Rocket Football.
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