What does Michigan's turmoil mean for Texas Football in Citrus Bowl
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Since the Citrus Bowl matchup between Texas and Michigan was announced, the Wolverines have fired their coach, Sherrone Moore. Now, even the Michigan athletic director is under fire. What does that mean for the clash in Orlando?
Moore was fired on Wednesday in Ann Arbor “with cause” for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a Michigan staffer.
“U-M head football coach Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately. Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior. Biff Poggi has been appointed head football coach in an interim capacity, effective immediately.” – Official Michigan Football press release
Later Wednesday evening, Moore was arrested in neighboring Saline, Michigan and was turned over to the Pittsfield Township police for potential criminal charges. There were reports he allegedly went to the home of the staffer in question and assaulted her.
On Friday, Moore was arraigned on criminal charges of felony third-degree home invasion, misdemeanor stalking-domestic relationship, and misdemeanor breaking and entering. Bond hasn’t been set, meaning Moore has been in jail for three days.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is under a lot of scrutiny. Much focusing on what he knew and when did he know it, as well as elevating Moore to head coach in the first place after Jim Harbaugh left for the LA Chargers.
“Whether Manuel had direct knowledge of or involvement in any of these scandals is irrelevant. He hired Moore despite all his baggage.” – Nancy Armour, USA TODAY
The Michigan program is in utter chaos and they play Texas in 19 days. How will the turmoil in Michigan impact the Citrus Bowl? It’s mostly about motivation and leadership.
In the playoffs, every team plays all out. But that’s not traditionally true in bowl games. Typically, if the teams are even remotely evenly matched, the more motivated team wins.
Take last year’s Outback Bowl for example. Michigan beat, what on paper, was a better Alabama team in Tampa. The Crimson Tide was disappointed to have missed the playoffs and didn’t seem into it. Michigan, fresh off upsetting rival Ohio State, wanted to show its uneven season was a fluke.
It is hard to believe the Michigan players are fully focused on prep for the Longhorns right now. They’re most likely in complete shock. It’s shocking to lose any coach, but the manner Moore’s tenure has ended has to be historically unsettling.
Sometimes, a strong coach can help a less motivated team get over the hump and play a good game. Is that guy interim coach Biff Poggi? Is the staff busier putting resumes together than game-planning?
There are a lot of obstacles Big Blue has to deal with before the game in Florida on New Year’s Eve.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Michigan Turmoil: How does it impact Texas Football in Citrus Bowl?
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