When players become an extension of the coaching staff

With Saturday's loss to rival Ohio State, Rich Rodriguez and his U of Michigan team finished 3-9 in Coach Rodriguez's first season in Ann Arbor.

But according to Coach Rod, the first couple of years are the toughest.

"By the time you get to the third and fourth year, your players become an extension of your staff and they help coach."

The good news is, from listening to Michigan's players, they understand what Coach Rod is trying to build.

Said one UM underclassman:

"Everybody on the team didn't buy in like they're supposed to. We've got a couple guys not going hard, but we'll correct that. Most definitely. It ain't happening on my watch next year."