One of the biggest selling points for Jim Harbaugh landing at Michigan was a return to his alma mater. The Wolverines are prone to admiration for "Michigan Men" above all else, and in keeping with that throwback mentality, Harbaugh has instituted helmet stickers for the first time since 1995.
Angelique S. Chengelis of the Detroit News was there for the grand reveal on Monday, and she spoke with Michigan's offensive star of its opener, tight end Jake Butt.
"I think it's awesome. I think it's just another way to create an environment of competition. You don't want to be the guy with an empty helmet at the end of the year. Everybody has a chance to win some stickers."
"They're pretty sweet. I want my helmet to be decked out by the end of the season with them."
Butt, who received eight stickers, and wide receiver Amara Darboh, who received nine, were the two leaders for the Wolverines in the 24-17 loss to Utah, and the squad is clearly fired up. Both Harbaugh and players were unwilling to disclose specifics on how helmet stickers are earned, but this change does seem to foster a bit of healthy competition between players, and that is almost always a positive.
Michigan will likely look different on the field with helmet stickers displayed on Saturday against Oregon State, and hopefully for the fan base, the results will be increasingly favorable as the season continues.
