Maize and Blue face critical moment

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez says he's

less patient than anyone about having success.

Rodriguez says Monday the Wolverines are struggling again after

losing a school-record nine games last year because they're playing

too many freshmen.

Michigan raised expectations by winning its first four games and

has dashed hopes with four straight losses in the conference.

The Wolverines can salvage the year in some ways by becoming

bowl-eligible with a sixth win Saturday at home against Purdue,

which has won just three times.

Rodriguez says the opportunity is not "life and death," but

it's an important ballgame.

He says his players lost confidence in a 38-13 loss at Illinois

on Saturday, adding it's up to them to get it back.