Michigan Optimistic with Soft Sanctions

This week the University of Michigan imposed sanctions upon its own football program for violations of exceeding practice and workout times as allowed under NCAA rules. Here is a breakdown of the sanctions Michigan has placed upon itself.

-Cut practice time by 130 hours over the next two years
-Ban certain staff members from attending practices, games or coaching meetings

Overall, the University is stating that it disagrees that Rich Rodriguez failed to create an environment of compliance with NCAA Rules. Truly this was the only play that new Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon had, but in my opinion is unlikely to save the team from harsher penalties coming from the NCAA or Big Ten when it is reviewed in the coming months.

While the self-imposed sanctions are new, the allegations are not. This has brought around another wave of Michigan faithful calling for Rich Rod's head, nothing has changed from five months ago when the season ended. Rodriguez and AD David Brandon know this is a make or break season for the coach. Eight to nine wins and a bowl game buy Rodriguez another year; a losing season and he'll be searching for a mid-level job in the ACC or Big East. While the mood in the fan base appears to still be down on Rodriguez and the direction of Michigan Football, there is a lot of optimism building in Ann Arbor both about the upcoming season and the team's ability to dodge tough probation from the NCAA by beating them to the punch with their own sanctions.