How Michigan Football Uses Negativity as Fuel to Prove Doubters Wrong
Drake Nugent, the starting center for the Michigan football team, found it amusing to see unfavorable media coverage of his team despite their undefeated regular season. Nugent, who will be playing against Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinals, shrugged off the negative coverage and saw it as a way to prove doubters wrong. He laughed at the amount of criticism and appreciated the team's ability to win despite it.
Nugent's perspective seems to be shared by many of his teammates. Roman Wilson, for example, wasn't surprised when Alabama players made comments about not being allowed to view practice film on their iPads. The Wolverines take it all in stride and don't let it affect them. It only serves as motivation for them to prove people wrong.
The Michigan players don't hold grudges, but they remember everything that's been said and done. They use the negativity as fuel to perform at their best and silence the critics. Even with the off-the-field issues surrounding their coach, Jim Harbaugh, the players remain unfazed and focused on their goal.
Trevor Keegan, an offensive lineman, believes that Harbaugh actually relishes the criticism. He comes in with a smile on his face despite the hate he receives, and his jokes lighten the mood. Roman, the wide receiver, also feels that Harbaugh secretly enjoys being portrayed as the "bad guy."
For Nugent, Harbaugh's embracing of the criticism has had a positive impact on the team. It rallies them together and gets them all in the same mindset. While some players may complain, they are quickly put back in their place by their teammates. The Wolverines know how to handle the negativity and stay focused on their ultimate goal.
Nugent, being a graduate student and a transfer from Stanford, understands that some of his teammates may struggle more with the negativity. However, there are always teammates who remind them to chill out and stay focused. The Wolverines are a resilient team that doesn't let criticism affect their performance on the field.
