Fewer Sleepless Nights for Rich Rodriguez.

I wonder how many sleepless nights Michigan Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez has had since taking the "dream" job that is the head football coach at the University of Michigan? I'm guessing one for every one of the nine losses during the 2008 season. Possibly one ( a celebratory one ) due to that great come from behind win at home against Wisconsin, and maybe one for each of the players that have left Michigan for other schools or early entry into the NFL. I'm sure there were also a few when trying to find a replacement for departed defensive coordinator Scott Shafer, although the UM faithful probably started sleeping better when the news became public. We could all imagine that national signing day resulted in lack of slumber and I'm sure a few were had along the recruiting trail, and some of which we may never know about.

Now I am not a sleep pathologist or an expert in sleep technology but I am quite sure that I can give you a few reasons why Coach Rodriguez should get a little more rest this season as compared to last. First, to allow RichRod to count fewer sheep Greg Robinson was brought in as Shafer's replacement from Syracuse and Scott Shafer is now the head D-man for the Orange. "Like a black fly in your Chardonnay." says Alanis. The 2008 quarterback play was certainly an exercise in sleep deprivation for RR, but the newly dubbed "savior" Tate Forcier enrolled early and got plenty of work early due to the spring injury of returning Nick Sheridan. Transferring to Arizona State, Steven Threet should be commended for hanging in and giving it the old college try, but it was obvious that he was not suited for the spread style of offense. Plenty of sleep gained by him leaving. Arriving with extra fluffy pillows are extremely athletic QB Denard Robinson and in 2010, Elite 11 stand out and potentially five star recruit Devin Gardner. Sleep should be gained due to other freshman like William Campbell, Vincent Smith, Vladimir Emilien to name a few that made up the number eight recruiting class in the country. With 16 verbal commitments already for 2010 Coach Rodriguez should be more refreshed in the mornings after a few more nights sleep.

The Wolverines are not out of the woods yet but things are improving and RichRod should be gaining valuable sleep hours due to different results at the "Big House". Michigan will start the season unranked, but did receive one vote, so climbing the ranks will certainly add to the sleep totals as will winning more than two conference games and receiving an invite to a bowl game. While there is still no rest for the weary, RichRod shall not sleep until he has beaten Ohio State! Then he will sleep like a king, but for now he remains the Princess and the Pea.