Probably a bigger microcosm of the season could be established by the direction both universities have taken. MSU now has almost 5000 more students. Many of those students are seeking degrees in engineering and other STEM relate programs that at least are perceived from a pay perspective to better than those at UM. When that happens then it becomes much more difficult to rebuild football programs because student athletes are more in tune with what their future is after football. I know the sugar-coaters believe that the championship center, big crowds at WGS and tradition will overcome less than stellar academic programs, financial difficulties and mediocre records but that may not be the case anymore. Even if you are Bobby Hauck it becomes more difficult to recruit the type of athletes that can turn programs around. I give Choate credit but he has the MSU academic program to back him up - how he got Infanse is not easily understood unless he wants to become an engineer. UM, with a 6-5 record, and no playoff appearances in 3 years is going to become an increasingly difficult place to recruit the players that will turn things around. Drop-downs and top high school seniors will look for other places to play. Even though I know that many of you hold unrealistic expectations just ask yourself if you are a 3-star recruit not getting FBS action would you rather check out NDSU, EWU, Cal Davis, MSU or UM. Just trying to point out how difficult a rebuild for Hauck is going to be, and it may never happen, even if there is always hope that it can.
