Michigan Wolverines closes 2023 with success after turbulent season

The top-ranked Michigan Wolverines have credited their success to overcoming a tumultuous season marked by leadership, intense “Beat Bama” drills, and guidance from a skilled strength coach.

With a third consecutive Big Ten crown and victory over Ohio State, Michigan is two wins away from a national championship.

Star running back Blake Corum claimed that his team’s success is due to their challenges this season, not in spite of it.

“I think we learned from all our setbacks, all of our mistakes,” Corum said. “With this team, with everything we’ve been through this year, I think we’re stronger physically and mentally than we ever were. That’s a big part of why we’ve played so well.”

The Wolverines (13-0) are set to confront the Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) on Monday in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl.

‘Michigan vs everybody’

Michigan’s pristine record and No. 1 ranking is built upon a profoundly messy season, as coach Jim Harbaugh’s suspensions marked both ends of the year. The initial ban, a pre-emptive school decision, resulted from the NCAA investigation into recruiting. The second suspension, mandated by the Big Ten, stemmed from the Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal.

Apart from six-game days without their head coach, the Wolverines faced abrupt changes, including the recent firing of linebackers coach Chris Partridge. They navigated constant social media negativity and overall unsettledness in a sport that typically thrives on routine.

However, with togetherness and steadiness, Michigan still secured back-to-back victories over Ohio State and Iowa in the Big Ten title game. Despite challenges, the team asserted their self-sufficiency by embracing the slogan “Michigan vs Everybody.”

“Michigan Against the World was real this season,” defensive lineman Kris Jenkins said. “At least that’s how it felt. Everybody was against us. If you weren’t wearing the Block M, you wanted us to lose. We didn’t let it affect us, and that’s because of the culture we’ve been straining so hard to build. You saw it all this year.”

Shaped by unconventional drills

The Wolverines attribute their mental toughness to physical tenacity. This week, they praised the benefits of their hard-hitting 9-on-7 drill, now named the “Beat Bama” drill, adapting to their key opponents.

The drill, beginning with sirens reminiscent of the “Purge” movie series, involves full tackling. This type of drill is fairly uncommon in other programs and most NFL teams due to health risks.

Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore described it as intense, with “pads popping, a lot of noise, loud music, a lot of violence.” Despite being unconventional, players and coaches embrace it, believing it has shaped them in recent years.

According to the Wolverines, Ben Herbert, the team’s director of strength and conditioning, also deserves credit for players’ resilience. His role extends beyond physical training, as players claim that he is seen as a motivational guru who provides timely encouragement amid Michigan’s challenges.

“Coach Herb frames it as a hidden blessing. Without adversity, growth doesn’t happen. All these challenges, in my opinion, are a blessing,” Receiver Roman Wilson said. “They’ve truly propelled our team to become what we are now.”

Mike Sainristil, once a receiver turned cornerback, also regards Herbert’s stoic philosophy as the Wolverines’ backbone for perseverance.

“He tells us to focus on what we can control, to show up and do what’s asked of us,” Sainristil said. “Avoid falling victim to ‘why me’ or setbacks.”

Despite distractions persisting, including a recent NCAA notice of allegations, the Wolverines, both veterans and newcomers, confront the turmoil united and resilient.