Michigan starts their season off on the right foot

Philip Brabbs' right foot is as precious as a diamond to University of Michigan football fans now.

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, he certainly was not the big man on campus though, having missed field goal attempts of 42 and 36 yards.

However, with no time left on the clock, Brabbs came in and kicked a 44-yard field goal to lift the Wolverines to a 31-29 win over Washington, avenging last year's loss to the Huskies.

By coming through in a situation that no one would have ever wished for, Brabbs made himself a hero -- for this week, at least.

Before the season started, John Navarre was a huge question mark. He played terribly last season and Wolverine fans were wondering who would lead the team this year.

Head Coach Lloyd Carr put an end to that speculation by naming Navarre starting quarterback to begin the season.

Navarre was not spectacular, but played very well throwing for 268 yards while giving up one interception and tossing one touchdown. There is some room for improvement, but all in all, it was a pretty good start for the Michigan QB.

One thing any viewer couldn't help but notice was how bad each team's kicking game was.

Washington's snappers couldn't get the ball to the punter without a skip or two on the turf, or almost throwing it over the holder's head on extra points.

Michigan's kickers, with the exception of the last kick, basically stunk.

My question is "Why?" This is just ridiculous.

Washington really just had a problem with the snaps, but shouldn't they have that all set by now?

Michigan recruits QB's, running backs, huge offensive and defensive lineman, but forget about one of the things that win tight football games -- the kicker.

I find it hard to believe that Carr and his staff can't find a guy who can consistently kick field goals from 45 yards or so.

This is a program nationally ranked every year. Why can't they get a kicker the team can count on?

The contest between the Huskies and the Wolverines was a great game though.

College football is back, and I couldn't be happier. These players play hard all game long, make mistakes, make great plays, and make no money, according to the NCAA, doing it.

Is there any better way for a football fan to spend his Saturday afternoon than watching a football game played by athletes who just love to play?

I'm sure I was not alone when I was jumping up and down in my living room after Brabbs kicked the winning field goal. Michigan fans were dancing in bars and living rooms everywhere.

College football seems to have big games every week of the season.

Teams pull off a big upset or lose a game they should have won throughout the year.

This is why college football is arguably the best sport around.

Randy Moss may "take plays off," but these college football players would be benched if they took plays off.

Wolverine fans will remember this one for a long time. What a great start to a season that is always memorable.