Michigan needs to shut up

The University of Michigan is a first-rate school in many aspects. Academically and athletically. Undergrad and post-grad. Countless numbers of their graduates have gone on to achieve great things in the various aspects of life. My own dentist went to their dental school, and he's the best one I've ever had. They've even got their own world-class hospital.

But it would seem they have an ongoing problem. Arrogance. They just don't know when to shut up, especially the jocks.

Running back Mike Hart became instantly (in)famous for his "little brother" comment towards cross-state rival Michigan State back in 2007. The Spartans would own the Wolverines on the gridiron for the next decade.

Back in the early 90's, it's basketball team featured the Fab Five -- all freshmen. Oh lord, could they talk trash. But in two years together, they would always come up short in the end.

And it would seem they're constantly over-rated. Even this year, it's football team was talking smack. It was all about the "revenge tour". Last year they had suffered losses at the hands of Michigan State, Penn State, and Wisconsin. So they were out to "get" them this time around. Sure enough, they knocked them all off. Thing is, none of those teams were nearly as good this year as last. For various reasons (graduations, pro draft, etc) they had collectively regressed.

Nonetheless, UM had improbably risen to #4 in the national rankings. Talk, and there was a lot of it, was about getting into the national championship playoff. All they had to do was complete their revenge tour and knock off those pesky Buckeyes of Ohio State, which has owned them as well for over a decade. And c'mon, OSU had got clobbered by lowly Purdue to the tune of 30 points worth, PURDUE!!! So how tough could they be?

After that it was off to the Big Ten Conference championship game for a rematch with Northwestern, whom they had already beaten on the road this year. Glory was within reach.

Yet as to how tough could the Buckeyes be? Turns out -- plenty.

The Wolverines were absolutely hammered, embarrassed, humiliated, on the losing end of a 62-39 beat down. Wasn't this the same UM that was supposed to have one of the best defenses in the country? And they gave up 63 points? The Buckeyes were going through them like water through a screen door on a submarine.

UM was roughly a 4 point favorite going in -- and got blistered by 23? As in over three touchdowns worth?

So much for completing the revenge tour.

And that Big Ten title that seemed almost automatic? Gone. They won't be playing in that game. That honor was transferred to Ohio State, also a one conference loss team. But by virtue of their head-to-head victory over UM, that "tie" is obviously broke.

Poof went any national championship aspirations. After being lit up like that on national TV, forget about that #4 ranking as well. The Wolverines could easily tumble out of the top ten, and deservedly so.

So yes, once again, off they'll go to some bowl game that will mean absolutely nothing except a cha-ching for the schools and a chance for the marching bands to strut their stuff in a faraway place. No doubt, it will be hyped to the max like most things Michigan, but in the end a win or a loss will be of little consequence.

Maybe it wouldn't have made any difference if UM showed a little humbleness for a change. As in play and win first. Talk trash if you just have to -- after it's over. Not before.

You'd think they'd learn, but they never do.

And they wonder why so many people around the country consider them arrogant, pompous, blue-blooded gasbags that can never seem to back up their words with actions.

Well duh. For supposedly turning out so many great minds, UM can sure be dense sometimes.

Especially the jocks.