Jimmy's boys have traveled to Italy (31-20), France (62-39) and South Africa (56-27) the
past three years at a cost of $800,000 to $1.2 million per trip. They have also lost to rival
Ohio State (score indicated) during that time.
I understand these trips can be a recruiting tool, bonding of the team, etc., but I just wonder
why no other school in the Big Ten takes these vacations.
My thinking is other schools (not just BIG10) do not do it because;
#1. They do not have a donor willing to put up the $$$
#2. They are not willing to go through a hell of a lot of planning to get it done.
#3. They are worried they cannot keep their boys in line and trouble may result.
Taking one week every spring to go on a trip does not equate to a loss in November, IMO. Michigan has not beaten Ohio State in a long time! Main reason why is Ohio State has out recruited everyone in the North. How do you change that? By winning. How do you win when your opponent is more talented? The top recruits fly to an established winning programs like flies to a fresh turd. Trying to break that cycle is pretty tuff when you inherit a "not elite" program. I applaud Harbaugh for driving the satellite programs and arranging the overseas trips. (He also started the one-time transfer idea last summer which should soon be passed by the NCAA) Anything to put better recruits on your team. As we know that IS what creates winning teams.
I know Harbaugh has rubbed folks the wrong way, but he is TRYING, with everything he has, working harder than others if need be, I applaud that!
Looking at his coaching I see he fell behind early with outdated ideas. Only last year did he finally upgrade the offensive game planning by hiring Gattis and giving him the reins. Kirby Smart saw the light and hired Monken.
So you can throw all those scores up there, and hey throw Alabama's beatdowns of Michigan too. Doesn't faze me, it's what's ahead not what was that matters. Michigan is moving in the right direction, trip or no trips.