MGoBlog Bold/Not So Bold Predictions: Fact or Fiction
Interested to see what the community thinks about these predictions...
- By the end of the season, Devin Gardner will be considered NATIONALLY a better QB than Braxton Miller
- Amarah Darboh and Jehu Chesson will finish the year with more catches (combined) than Jeremy Gallon and Drew Dileo
- Frank Clark will finish in the top 5 in the B1G in sacks (last year #5 was Kawann Short, Purdue, 7 sacks)
- James Ross will be a 1st-Team All-B1G player
- Michigan and Ohio will play consecutive weekends ("The Game and B1G Championship Game)
Please mention if you agree or disagree with "Yes/No" or "Fact/Fiction"...I purposely tried to come up with some predictions that people would disagree on.
1. For this to happen, we have to finish with as good or better record than ohio and we must beat their asses on the field.
2. I think this is a stretch...just a bit. Possible, yes. But as you say...bold.
3. I like. A lot. And I think he has the potential, but needs to keep his focus. And a few more stunts that leave him unblocked wouldn't hurt either. Right, Braxton?
4. Wow. Yeah, that's bold alright. Hoke sure has talked him up a bit, so I think he has seen the potential in him, but if not this year definitely next year.
5. YES. It will be so. And it will give the NCAA fits. I hope.
2. No
3. No
4. Hmmm close. Gonna say no because a lot of people don't know him, but his play will warrant it.
5. Yes, and well win at least 1
1. Yes- will be rated a better pro QB prospect.
2. No- Gallon and Dileo will haul in more tosses. Dileo will have a big year.
3. Yes- FC is a beast!
4. No- 2nd team this year and 1st team in 2014.
5. Yes- Urban Meyer will be whining all the way.
Promised summer updates, such as bringing back old point system, will not come to fruition.
Less than 4 weeks to go.
I, for one, welcome our nginx overlords.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:16 AM ^
1 - I think it comes down to stats and wins. We all know Gardner is better.
2 - Yes, but only by about 5 - 10. I think Dileo gets a dozen or so catches and that's about it.
3 - Yes, but I think at 4 or 5.
4 - No. I think the best for Ross is 2nd Team All B1G, unforetunately.
5 - Yes.
1. No
2. No, they're the top 2 guys
3. Yes, breakout year
4. No, too many good LB's in the B1G this year.
5. YES
Dileo and Gallon will have more catches
Clark will finish in the top 5
Ross will be All Big material
The championship game will be a rematch
- By the end of the season, Devin Gardner will be considered NATIONALLY a better QB than Braxton Miller
Fiction
- Amarah Darboh and Jehu Chesson will finish the year with more catches (combined) than Jeremy Gallon and Drew Dileo
Fiction, but they WILL have more TDs combined
- Frank Clark will finish in the top 5 in the B1G in sacks (last year #5 was Kawann Short, Purdue, 7 sacks)
FACT
- James Ross will be a 1st-Team All-B1G player
FACT
- Michigan and Ohio will play consecutive weekends ("The Game and B1G Championship Game)
oooo, this is a poular one to predict since it's the only year it can happen, but... oh fuck it FACT. We lose in A2 and win the Title game
1. No. Hype train for Miller is huge, and that's even compared to the DG hype train. Miller will also be responsible for a higher percentage of team yards. DG shows more pro potential, Miller is still considered the better college player at season's end.
2. No. Both will be far behind Gallons number, and much closer to Dileo. I think Gallon catches a ton of hitches and tunnel screens and his number gets vastly inflated compared to the other WRs. My prediction is that Gallon's number of receptions alone is more than Darboh and Chesson.
3. No. I think he has the potential to, but he needs to be much more consistent. On top of that, there is pretty good depth at rush end and some people that will get their shots if Clark isn't being consistent. I think he will be improved, but will fall somewhere around 6 sacks on the year. Now maybe that's enough to get there in this conference with mostly running teams, but I don't think he gets to the 7 number.
4. No. Sorry to disagree on everything so far. Lots of good LBs in the B1G still. While I think Ross makes a huge jump and starts getting recognized by other fans and by people in the media, he's still a year away from being considered first team. Will likely be second team while they give first team to someone with a few more years under his belt. And while I expect those guys to be close in comparison to Ross, I think they get a few extra bonus points by both coaches and media for having more seniority.
5. Yes. I'm going to go with it, but I don't have much confidence in it. I think the Legends division is extremely competitive, and I don't think Michigan's schedule does them any favors compared to some of the other teams. But I'm more excited about this team than any team that Michigan has put on the field since '07, so that shows you my feelings on this team.
Its possible that the stats will confirm that Gardner is indeed a better QB, but the hype train surrounding Miller could be too big with too much momentum to derail it. I'm pretty sure we all think that DG has the better tool set, namely the arm, to be a more well-rounded QB but Miller could end up with a better highlight reel because he's good at improvising when the play breaks down...which the OL that ohio will have is almost assured to happen.
1. Yes, towards the end of last season I think Gardner was a better quarterback anyways. In addition I've heard nothing but great things about his progression this offseason.
2. No, they may end up with more yards receiving, however I doubt more reception.
3. Yes? I say yes given the hype, but I add the question mark because all we've heard is hype, I would love to come back to this one after even the first game.
4. No. Second team much more likely, but it is a possibility. I see him getting recognition in some way, just not first team.
5. Yes. With us winning at least 1 of the games.
#2 is the only bold thing I see. And I think it is highly unlikely and internally incoherent with your other predictions. If those guys beat out Dileo and Gallon, we have issues at the WR position, such as Gallon and Dileo getting the dropsies. #2 being true diminishes the chances of #s 1 and 5 also being true.
August 5th, 2013 at 11:01 AM ^
Unless our redshirt freshmen receivers blow up and we have one of the more prolific passing offenses in the country due to four very good receivers and a great QB. More likely you are right though regarding the number 2 statement.
My 3 biggest questions this year will be...
1) Will Devin stay healthy all year?
2) Will Derrick Green be a major contributor
3) Will the interior O-line play better than last year with less experience but more talent
Losing Devin IMO is the difference between 12-13 wins vs 5-6 wins. I just don't trust a true freshman or a walkon to run this offense.
Bite your tongue. The idea of Devin not staying healthy all year should not be loosed upon the universe. Never speak of such a thing again.
August 5th, 2013 at 11:42 AM ^
2) Yes, but not the nominal starter.
3) Yes.
The floor for this team is 7 wins, and that's in a worst-case-scenario. We have enough talent (finally) to be a bowl team regardless of any plausible injuries.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:05 AM ^
1. Devin Gardner will have better stats and be a better QB than Miller. But the Ohio PR train and the hype surrounding Miller will be too much. Miller will be considered nationally a better QB, but we know better.
2. More catches? No way. Dileo and Gallon get all of the checkdown throws and short routes. This won't even be close. Prediction should have been TDs and then it would have been interesting.
3. Frank Clark will finish in the top THREE in the B1G in sacks. Book it.
4. James Ross won't be a 1st-team all B1G linebacker. Probably a 2nd team. You have to think Max Bullough gets a 1st-team. Ryan Shazier gets a 1st-team. Chris Borland gets a 1st team. There are a LOT of good LBs in the B1G and it's tough to predict someone we haven't gotten an extended look at yet to be a 1st teamer.
5. FALSE. Michigan beats Ohio in Ann Arbor giving Ohio their 2nd conference loss. Tie breaker system gets Nebraska in the Championship game and Michigan beats them for the 2nd time.
A bonus bold prediction: Braxton Miller will suffer "catastrophic, season-ending" injuries at least 3 times this year.. Only to rise from the ashes to lead a fourth quarter comeback against a Purdue or a Northwestern much to the delight of his Buckeye faithful.
Seriously though, I know that sounds cruel, but I hate how he lays and rolls around like he's hurt and then comes back the next series. It's like he loves the drama. The kid needs to learn how to take a hit.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:17 AM ^
Michigan can't play Nebraska for the championship since they're in the same division.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:42 AM ^
My apologies. I'm thinking 2014 already. :/
August 5th, 2013 at 12:40 PM ^
A lot of things have to fall into place for that to happen, but you have to admire the courage.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:05 AM ^
1. No. Braxton in the spread = nice highlights and gaudy stats. Gardner will be steady and put up numbers quietly.
2. No. Gallon is going to account for the majority of receptions.
3. Yes.
4. I say 2nd team All-Big.
5. PERHAPS.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:13 AM ^
I think Gallon = our Welker, he is going to be the go to guy, might not have the big plays but he will be the guy in the 0-15yrd range. will have most receptions. maybe not most tds though, unless he gets some serious YAC
August 5th, 2013 at 10:20 AM ^
That cannot be, it is an impossibility. Dileo is Welker. Gallon is much more Steve Smith.
If you continue to make these slip ups, then people will feel free to compare athletes to athletes they are actually similar to, rather than simply having it based off of physical appearance/size. I, for one, do not want to live in a world that sees things like that.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:15 AM ^
2) No way
3) Yes
4) mmmmm...ok
5) it's time to play like champions. Win on the road. Beat our rivals. I hope this is our year. I don't feel like waiting another year.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:16 AM ^
FACT: MICHIGAN WILL END THE SEASON 14-0, HOISTING THE COACHES TROPHY WITH DEVIN GARDNER HOISTING THE HEISMAN TROPHY IN NYC.
FACT: MICHIGAN WILL WIN THE NEXT NOT 1, NOT 2, NOT 3, NOT 4, NOT 5, NOT 6, BUT 7 NATIONAL TITLES...Yes...this will happen...yes....
August 5th, 2013 at 10:17 AM ^
Oh how the WWL is destroying our use of language . . .
But anyways:
1) unliklely -- advantage to the guy with an extra year of experience and an easier schedule
2) unlikely -- YPC, sure; yds. receiving, maybe; but definitely not more catches
3) likely -- FC Beast
4) unlikely -- hard for anybody but a RB or QB to displace the preseason favorites at their position
3) likely -- who else is better? Maybe Nebraska, but we get them at home. Northwestern is good, but not really a road game.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:19 AM ^
3, 4 and 5 - definitely fact.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:19 AM ^
1. Yes if we are only looking at passer ratings.
2. No. Gallon will be 1st-team B1G this year.
3. Yes. Clark will finish at 4th or 5th!
4. No. Ross will be a 2nd-team B1G.
5. Hell YES. And here's to Michigan winning both of 'em!
August 5th, 2013 at 10:20 AM ^
1. I think Gardner will be recognized as the better pro prospect, but Miller has a good shot at the Heisman this season. So, I will say fiction for #1.
2. I expect Darboh to pull in a pretty good number of balls (maybe in the 25-35 range), and for Chesson to have fewer catches but a high yards-per-reception average. Say 12-18 catches for him. Gallon should easily be over 50 receptions and Dileo should have as many as Chesson. I suppose these numbers could be a little high if a lot of passes go to the TEs and backs this year, but I still think that would affect everyone equally. So, I'll say fiction for #2.
3. Sure. I can see Frank Clark getting 7+ sacks. Fact for #3.
4. The all-conference honors usually go to established players. Sometimes a younger player can win the award by posting huge numbers at a stat-heavy position like RB or receiver, but at LB that's difficult to do. I will say fiction for #4.
5. Ohio State shouldn't have any trouble winning the Leaders, so this comes down to whether M wins the Legends. M has a more difficult schedule than some of the other contenders, but is still, on paper, the most complete team in the division. Fact for #5.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:20 AM ^
Despite a strong year by Nickel back Dymonte Thomas, the stand-out freshman of the year is Taco Charlton at Rush end, who racks up 5 sacks on the year.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:21 AM ^
1. No. I think at the end of the season there will be a good debate - some will consider Gardner better, others will argue for Miller.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:32 AM ^
1. No. The Miller hype-machine is full-throttle; the perception will not equate to the reality. Gardner will be regarded within the B1G as the #1 QB, but nationally Miller will be considered a Top-2 QB and in the Heisman Race from August 31 through the season.
2. Yes. But this is going to open Gallon up for more big plays. Dorbah and Chesson will help spread the ball and open Gallon up to a lot of receptions in single coverage with the safeties eyeing the younger guys on the other side of the field. Gallon will have more TD's this year than last. Dileo will continue to be a clutch escape artist who sets up scoring plays with 2-3 1st down grabs a game.
3. No. With Mario and Taco getting snaps to keep the DL fresh. Combined they will be a force and have 10+ sacks from the WDE position. Clark will be more disruptive with fresh legs, just less stats.
4. No. MSU, Iowa, OSU are stacked at LB. The upper classmen will get the nod for 1st team (rightfully so, or not); Ross will be a monster either way. His play this year will make all of us nervous about him going pro after his Junior year... then we will be reminded about how amazing of a "problem" this is.
5. Yes. They will go 1-1. The debate about what victory is Better/More Important... "The Game" or "the B1G Championship" will be argued between Ohio and Michigan for years to come. Both teams will be playing in BCS Bowls... winner in the Rose and loser in the Fiesta against Texas.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:23 AM ^
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No. Miller is in the perfect system for his dual threat talent. Gardner is more octogonal peg in round hole. I think Gardner has a great (school record setting) year but Miller wins the awards for his dominance in the ground game.
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No. Gallon will be leaned on quite a bit and Dileo will get enough looks to keep them ahead of Darboh/Chesson.
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Yes. I just have a good feeling.
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No. That just seems like a lofty prediction, although I'm basing that purely on gut feeling.
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Yes. We are Ohio's only tough game. Michigan has a pretty good schedule set up to win 10-11 games. I see us splitting the two.
August 5th, 2013 at 12:15 PM ^
August 5th, 2013 at 10:23 AM ^
I will wait until I confirm all of this with THE_KNOWLEDGE.
yes.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:31 AM ^
I'd be happy with 3 of 5 as long as one of them is #5. Truth be told I'd be happy with only #5.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:31 AM ^
August 5th, 2013 at 10:33 AM ^
and No.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:34 AM ^
1) A better passing, more typical QB, yes. A better game changing QB? Braxton gets the nod there. Devin is a freak athlete, but I think 2014 is where he REALLY breaks out.
2) False. Darboh will be 3rd on the team in total catches (behind Gallon and Funchess) and I don't see Chesson getting more than 15 receptions this year.
3) Very possible IF he lives up to the hype he's getting. I'm very optimistic for him. He'll need to be more disciplined and hopefully the front 7 really mesh well together and trust the guy who's next to them.
4) Too many big name LBs in the B1G for him to be first team this year, 2014 it's a guarantee.
5) True
August 5th, 2013 at 10:39 AM ^
1. FICTION
2. FICTION
3. FICTION
4. FICTION
5. FACT
August 5th, 2013 at 10:45 AM ^
1. Fiction, because OSU's schedule is easier, so Miller will have awesome stats.
2. Fiction, unless Gallon is hurt, because Gallon will catch a ton of balls and be Gardner's favorite target
3. Fact
4. Fact
5. Fact
August 5th, 2013 at 10:49 AM ^
My bold prediction: Michigan goes to the NCG.
Michigan crushes ND's dreams and cruises in all of the other games until MSU. Michigan's week off before MSU allows them to win in a hard-fought game, but by a comfortable lead. Michigan handles Nebraska, has a scare in Evanston, and overcomes all the weird things that happen at Iowa. Michigan beats OSU in a close game at home and destroys them in Indianapolis.
My other bold prediction: Devin Gardner locks up a first round pick (partially from the trend of mobile QBs in the NFL), but decides to follow in Lewan's shoes and come back for a 5th year to try and win a non-mythical national championship.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:56 AM ^
1. The winner of The Game will be considered the better QB. Michigan will win The Game, so Fact.
2. Fiction. Darboh and Chesson will finish with more yards than Gallon and Dileo, but not receptions.
3. Fact. Our DL is going to rock QBs' socks next year.
4. Fiction. Not yet, but soon.
5. Fact. I think Michigan wins against MSU and Nebraska at the very least. Even if they get a loss in the conference, I think the other teams in the division will have at least 2 losses and Michigan will either hold the tiebreaker over them or flat out have more wins. I think we'll even know that they are playing in consecutive weekends going into The Game.
August 5th, 2013 at 10:59 AM ^
1, FICTION -- Devin Gardner will be considered a better passer than Braxton Miller and a great player in his own right. But, Miller will have more Heisman votes and considered a better player. You may be equating QB=Passer, but that's not the case in college. Gardner will be considered the better pro prospect at QB.
2. FICTION -- Gallon will have about as many as both.
3. FACT -- Frank will have a great year in a year when there will be a number of guys in the B1G with outstanding sack nubmers.
4. FICTION -- Borland and Bullough were first teames last year, and they'll have good enough years so that they won't lose it. Shazier has enough pub and will also have a good enough year, so that he won't "lose" it.
5. FICTION -- Wisky upsets Ohio, loses to Michigan in the championship but gets the nod over Ohio for the 2nd BCS spot. The Buckeyes go on to get their first official win over the SEC in the Cap-One.
August 5th, 2013 at 11:08 AM ^
I like your #5, but it would be better if OSU plays Florida in the Cap-One, and Muschamp grinds Meyer into the dust, winning 3-0.