For those of you who are diehard Michigan Wolverine fans, you were most likely salivating at the news that Chase Winovich was returning for his final season in Ann Arbor. Winovich plays defensive end for the Maize-and-Blue, and led the team in sacks, with eight, and tackles-for-loss, with 18. Here’s Chase’s tweet:
“Those who stay will be champions”
After much deliberation, I have decided to forego the NFL and come back to Michigan for one last season. It’s my absolute honor to represent this university for one more season after everything it has done for me. Time to work pic.twitter.com/l8pb1Z4Chq— Chase Winovich (@Wino) January 3, 2018
Now, I have nothing against a man wanting to stay for his final year of eligibility, but it’s the “iconic” statement he rehashed for his announcement that myself and others take heed with. Especially after his Wolverines were the only BigTen team to NOT win their bowlgame.
“Those who stay will be champions.” A statement by Michigan head coach Bo Schembechler in 1969 that became a rallying cry after that Michigan team ended Ohio State’s 22-game winning streak the following year. And while the story is nice, the recent Michigan teams are far removed from that sentiment.
http://gty.im/895650590
Enter former Michigan State Spartan linebacker, and MSU royalty, Riley Bullough.
ehh. honestly those who stay there prolly wont be champions but hey ~~~ https://t.co/9gF3WIx9Vd
— Riley Bullough (@RileyBullough) January 3, 2018
Bullough, a four-year Spartan from 2013-16, is a two-time BigTen Champion in ’13 and ’15, a Rose Bowl Champion in 2013, and a Cotton Bowl Champion in 2014, is currently a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And with the Bucs already on vacation after a 5-11 season, he definitely has time to troll his rival. Needless to say, the hatred from East Lansing to Ann Arbor runs deep, but he also has a point as Michigan has not even played for a BigTen title since conference realignment, and their last BigTen title was one they shared with Iowa in 2004.