Football season makes the barber cut hair just a little bit better,

and it makes the butcher slice the steak a trifle thicker.

The shoe shine boy pops his rag with more gusto,

the landlord doesn't mention the overdue red.

Old friends are greeted, and new friends are introduced between bites.

The old grad may look older, but he's beginning to feel younger than his freshman year.

As once again, small college towns across the nation become part of the big collegiate football scene.

Of course, last year it wasn't good all around.

We don't ignore the fact that it happened.

We don't ignore what really led us to that position. I'm kind of just glad we

turned that page. The energy is good around here. I just see everybody working. The team has

come more together, more of a brotherhood. They have a strong belief. A strong belief in themselves

individually and a strong belief in their teammates. All 11 guys and all rotators and anyone

that's to be on that field, I know I trust and I know they

trust me. We have something to prove this year. We have a script to change. They're ready. They're

ready to live up to that responsibility. I'm just ready to get back to football. Just seeing

somebody coming out that tunnel with fans again. It's going to be so real. We're all waiting for

that first game and have a chance to shine.

We're closing in on another Michigan game day.

Let's get you set for Saturday's matchup with our keys to the game edition of In the Tretches.

Now, here's John Jansen.

We are one day away from Michigan football, taking the field for this 2021 football season.

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