Remaining Games
Looking at who we have left to play, I think we will end up having a pretty damn good season (with all things considered). The way the team started out, it was looking pretty bad for the men in maize, but with the effort yesterday this is going to boost the young guys attitudes and help them become a better TEAM. Now I've predicted the remaining games on the schedule. I'm being an honest Michigan fan and understanding that there are teams in the Big Ten better then we are this year. Hopefully my predictions are reasonable. Here I go...
Illinios: Win - I think the team will be jacked from the last victory and Illinois might be sleep walking after the loss to Penn State.
Toledo: Win - Toledo gamed Fresno State tough but they are a MAC team coming into Ann Arbor and Michigan will beat them. There will not be a let down here.
@ Penn State: Lose - Penn State can (and I think will) beat OSU. They are a good team and Joe Pa always has something that will throw people off. Since the game is in Happy Valley, the young roster may find it tough, but a nice introduction before heading to Columbus.
Michigan State: Win - Shafer will put 10 players in the box and Ringer will all of a sudden look human. Honestly though, the defense is better then MSU offense. Hoyer isn't playing well at all and UofM will and can take advantage.
@ Purdue: Win - Purdue is not a good team this year. Painter isn't the same QB he was last season. Plus I kind of think since we have the Snake Oil on our side it'll help.
@ Minnesota: Win - Minnesota is rebuilding and will win a few games this year but I don't think they can play with Michigan, and I think the defense will play their game and stop whatever comes their way.
Northwestern: Win - This is a tough one, Northwestern scares me a little bit each year. Since its at the Big House, I think Michigan will shut down the offense of Northwestern, and the UofM offense will play very good this late in the season to get the victory before heading to Columbus.
@ Ohio State: Lose - I hope Coach Rod can channel a little Bo, but I think it'll be a close game but OSU may be a little to much this year. (Sorry if that dissapoints anyone)
Record: 8-4, not bad for a first season at UofM Coach Rod. I know we hoped for better, cause it could of happened with a few things changing the first couple weeks of the season. This is a great stepping stone and a wonderful way to start out the new era of Michigan Football!
Just my thoughts on each game left. This is an honest evaluation of what I feel the team can do from here on out. If the defense can play the way they did yesterday and the Offense can hold onto the ball and play like they did yesterday this is a team I feel can win a few games and play in a respectful bowl game. Now each game could go either way, but this is my hopes and prayers on the season. Many of these games can be a win or lose, but in my eyes its what I'm hoping will happen.
GO BLUE!!
September 28th, 2008 at 1:11 PM ^
September 28th, 2008 at 1:36 PM ^
September 28th, 2008 at 1:46 PM ^
I've been saying all along UM would go 5-3 in league play....or at least have that potential....all this win does is strengthen that expectation.
I will talk about enhancing those expectations pending next week. If they win next week, I will start seriously talking about the Big 10 chase. Right now its one game at a time for me and carving out a winning league mark.
Getting a sweep of Wisco and Illini will make this team league contenders heading into November, but they've got to take of business next week.
September 28th, 2008 at 1:49 PM ^
September 28th, 2008 at 2:36 PM ^
September 28th, 2008 at 6:31 PM ^
This team (on offense) will continue to improve every game (beyond a team with an established system) because of the drastic changes in approach and youth (the freshmen will have the experience of sophs. or jrs by the end of the season). Of the 4 teams Michigan faced, Wisconsin was probably the best.
The road will still be bumpy, but this win has got to give the underclassmen a bit more confidence in the upcoming games.
September 28th, 2008 at 6:34 PM ^
Penn State will win the Big 10. I didn't think that it was possible before the beginning of the season, but if they can beat Wisco and OSU--and they certainly can--then they could very well go undefeated and possibly be in contention for an invite to the BCS champ game. I really wouldn't have predicted this in the beginning of the season, but I think that it's partly a statement on how weak the top of the Big 10 is this year.
Does this mean that PSU is one of the best 2 teams in the country? Hell no. It's possible, but their OOC opponents were weak (including OR St before they beat a napping USC). I wouldn't say that the jury is out yet on PSU, but I couldn't see them beating Oklahoma, Alabama, or USC. Who knows?
I can't believe that Alabama is at the top again, but look at who their coach is. Exactly.
September 28th, 2008 at 6:35 PM ^
September 28th, 2008 at 7:26 PM ^
Ok, i will brag just a little bit. I did a bowl prediction diary before the season started and predicted PSU to a BCS Bowl Game. They were some critiques, to be sure.
I have them 10-2 with an at large.....but they are making a strong case for higher consideration.
September 29th, 2008 at 12:28 AM ^
September 28th, 2008 at 10:56 PM ^
I think you're being a little too optimistic. If Evil Threet shows up at a bad time, or if players keep rubbing butter on their gloves, we'll be screwed more often than not.
That said, I'm hopeful that this game might be the turning point in the season, and that we will maintain this level through the rest of the year.