End zone: Michigan 9-27

9/27/2012

Denard Robinson apologized. Without being asked to do so. Up to this point in the season -- with the only exception being his speech at the Big 10 kickoff luncheon in Chicago -- it was probably the most authentic anyone's ever seen Michigan's quarterback. I'd rather see that kind of passion out of a player than the canned, rote answers the media is fed every week by athletes and coaches.

Sadly, there's a universal truth in the process of interviewing. Sometimes we're tired of hearing the same answer week after week, and long for a little bit of candor. So when Robinson spoke to the media last weekend after Michigan's 13-6 loss at No. 10 Notre Dame, it was refreshing.

The quarterback filled notebooks and tape recorders by being brutally honest with and about himself. Granted, his words didn't excuse four interceptions, three sacks, and a lost fumble, but his statement called for accountability and honesty. In the past few days, several of Robinson's teammates said they've apologized to him, too, for their less-than-stellar play against the Irish.

Let's see if Robinson can make a statement next week in Michigan's Big Ten opener at Purdue. Michigan and its fans should hope that statement comes on the field, instead of outside the locker room after another loss.

For all things UM athletics, follow Rachel's web blog, In the House.