Momentum is a funny thing. Little things add up to big things. Individually they mean nothing. Then they start to topple. Everything rolls downhill. (Why am I writing like Bill Plaschke?)

The result is a self-feeding, growing cavalcade of pressure from the media, players, and fans. Even the sturdiest fans start to have doubts – not about the guys in the trenches, but that this external force will require a sacrifice to appease people that can’t get it, will never get it, and don’t even want to get it. At some point, enough is enough, but it takes someone willing to stand up, lay it all on the table, and say “We’re doing this, together; get on-board or go-away.” Someone transparent, unassailable, honest. Does this unicorn exist? Well, sometimes the world is set right and we get what we need.

“I don’t talk the past. I create the future”

David Brandon. Former Domino’s CEO turned Michigan Athletic Director.

The outcome of the war is now decided; remaining skirmishes will occur, but the momentum is shifted. The man came in, took blame for things that happened BEFORE he arrived, and the assembled masses said, “Ok.” On the subject of night games, he pointed out that Michigan plays in them anyway, so why not have them at home and on our own terms? He adroitly handles repeated, stupid questions from the media and does so in a way that is gentle like a patient parent. This man is surely capable of understanding the roles injuries, youth, inexperience, and probabilities have in affecting the outcome of a football game. He’s capable of rational thought – a bulwark against insanity.

The war still rages, in MgoThreads titled “Does Dave Brandon really support RR, or is he just being practical?”, in references to the Ypsilanti Illuminati hellbent on destroying RichRod, and in sensationalist bullchips from rags like the Freep. David Brandon won’t be swayed by this. He understands the task at hand. He is one of us.

On that note, I’m happy to set down my gun (terribad Adobe skills anyway) and watch from the sidelines. You can’t fix stupid, you can’t reason with irrational, and you certainly can’t make miserable people happy. For some people, only winning every game will suffice, and then they will quickly start to harp on how next season won’t be as good. If you can’t be happy in the present, it’s unlikely you’ll find satisfaction in the future. It’s time to enjoy the ride.