Rich Rodgriguez was probably tired of hearing the questions asked about what the deal was with his team, when they would be “Michigan-ready”, the spattering of boobirds from time to time at home games, and other assorted annoyances that can drive a coach to insanity. But even with all of these things hanging over R-Rod’s head and the tumultuous coverage he has had with his ugly divorce from West Virginia, nothing of that variety was in his smile as he walked off the field, his Wolverines accomplishing a comeback that the Big House had not seen in over 80 years in beating 8th ranked Wisconsin 27-25.

Wisconsin, which had come in as a pretty straight forward favorite and even a team that many thought would be able to win the Big Ten and sneak into a big BCS game, just looked awful in the second half. They were timid, and Michigan simply outplayed them. It was a huge turnaround for Michigan as they trailed 19-0 at half and looked pathetic–throwing 2 picks and losing 3 fumbles will get the catcalls for any team.

There was a bit of controversy at the end of the game when the Badgers finally got their offense going on the last drive, scoring a TD and then going for the 2 point conversion to tie. The Badgers converted, but the play was called back for illegal man downfield. The ensuing play lead to a Allan Evridge pass that wasn’t even close, and the Wolverines stormed the field with their first Big Ten win of the season.

The call seemed a little nickel-dimer at first, but on review, it was clear that tight end Travis Beckum did not line up correctly, so the zebras did in fact make the right call. (Who woulda thunk it?)

While the Michigan offense still wasn’t pretty, it was the defense that really did the damage to Wisconsin in the second half. While the Badgers overall still outgained Michigan, the huge swing in momentum in the second half carried the Wolverines to this improbable victory. This game may have really established Steven Threet as a double threat, and while his passing still leaves something to be desired, his running game should have Big Ten defenses starting to rethink how to defend Michigan.

Any way you put it, this may have been a Michigan fluke victory, or maybe it was just a signal to the rest of the league–we’re here, and you better respect us. I’m convinced.