Michigan's Q rating soars

Remember the University of Michigan? You know, the team from up north with the rich tradition in academics and athletics? The big school with the big stadium from the big ten has roamed the college landscape in obscurity the past several years. Gone were the Lloyd Carr's, Charles Woodson's, and Chris Weber's of the world. Gone were the championship runs, let alone championship titles. And gone was the national interest in the football and basketball program. The maize and blue M was fading, a loss to Appalachian State was the last national image of the casual fan. Michigan was just another team in college sports, until a documentary put them back in the spotlight.

ESPN aired the movie Fab Five last Sunday, the story of five talented freshmen basketball players for the University of Michigan in the early 90's. Fab five guard and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose did a brilliant job with the piece, and his controversial comments about then Duke player Grant Hill set off a media firestorm. The timing could not have been better. The premier aired on Selection Sunday, the highly watched unveiling of the annual tournament bracket. A few hours earlier, Michigan received an improbable tournament bid. Most experts had Michigan picked to finish last in the big ten this year, primarily because of their youth. Michigan's young and talented team had other plans. The Wolverines followed a week in the public spotlight with an impressive 30 point beat down of Tennessee in the second round of the ncaa tournament, and once again the timing could not have been better.

Up next is Duke, and the ghosts of the Fab Five will once again resurface. Michigan looks to knock off another talented and favored Duke team with their own inexperienced and talented team on Sunday. A victory would surely put Michigan back on the public tongue, but merely being a participant is great for the fans, alumni, and recruiting. Regardless of the score, Michigan's Q rating is sure to win.