370 days ago, there were similar chance reverberating through Chrysler Center at the

tail end of Michigan and Michigan State. Wolverines fans had to endure it. The go green,

go white chance. Back then, there was numbness. Michigan was on a march toward a really tough

end of its season. Eight and 24 would be the result,

and a seemingly rudderless program was just playing out the string.

370 days later, on Friday night at Chrysler Center,

those chance remained, but it was pain.

This one hurt.

It was the best pregame atmosphere I felt at Chrysler Center. This is my sixth season of doing this. It's the best studentgame atmosphere I've felt at Chrysler Center.

This is my sixth season of doing this.

It's the best student section I've ever experienced, seen, felt.

And that's all remarkable progress, as has been what has transpired on the floor.

That's why, just before the game, Dusty May, got a well-earned contract extension,

less than a year after signing his

first contract with U of M. But while Michigan State is not always the measuring stick in the

Big Ten, they're not always at the top of the heap. Michigan State provides a great barometer

for where the Michigan program is and oftentimes it's reciprocal

on Michigan state side. And after this one, it's very clear. Much has been done. The atmosphere

was incredible. The hype was awesome and obviously there were real stakes in this game. First

place in the Big Ten was on the line. But while much has been done,

much more is needed. For a while there, when you win six straight games by four points or less,

you tend to think maybe the Michigan Magic can just continue. Maybe the Wolverines were

...