Students mixed on split poll results

After all the votes were counted, Michigan's first national championship in 50 years was split in half, leaving some fans angry and bewildered, while others saw the final vote as an even-handed decision.

"I thought it was fair," said LSA first-year student Eric Knapp. "It was unfortunate, but fair. You have to put yourself in both teams' shoes. If we didn't win the championship we would be upset, but if Nebraska had lost, they would also be upset. The only way to decide it is on the field."

Since Michigan does not have the chance to play Nebraska, sports writers and coaches were forced to speculate on which team performed better. Beginning next year, the Bowl Alliance will pit the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in one of the four major bowls.

Many students claimed that although Michigan and Nebraska were both undefeated, there were several factors that should have put Michigan atop both the Associated Press and the ESPN/USA Today Coaches polls.

"I think Nebraska employed some shameless tactics, like leaving their starters in when they were up 35-9 and complaining incessantly," said Inteflex senior Toby Morrow, who plays trombone for the Michigan Marching Band. "They're a great team, but no one will ever forget that illegal play against Missouri or their weak non-conference opponents."

LSA sophomore Akosa Akpom said splitting the national championship was the only legitimate option.

"I don't really like it, but they deserve it as much as we do, even with that lucky catch against Missouri," Akpom said. "We both were undefeated."

Many sports writers and Michigan fans have vehemently expressed their belief that Nebraska coach Tom Osborne's retirement was the sole reason for the split national championship.

"I think they shouldn't have split it," said LSA senior Janet Wordell. "If we won the Rose Bowl, we should be No. 1. They just gave it to Nebraska because Tom Osborne retired."

01-07-98