Discuss: Tougher away games this year or next?
Next season, we play five road games and much has already been made of their difficulty. While I'll admit that Notre Dame is a tougher road game than Purdue, Indiana, or Maryland (and Northwestern and Rutgers are both arguably easier than those three), my question essentially boils down to this: Would you rather play on the road against Wisconsin at noon and Penn State at night, or Michigan State and Ohio State both during the day?
For myself, I look at Wisconsin as a tougher environment than MSU (given proximity to Michigan and stadium intensity) and a PSU night game as one of the toughest environments in college football, beating out a noon game in the Shoe. As a season ticket holder, I would obviously like to have the rivals separated out; but, as a Michigan football fan, I'm no more concerned about our away schedule next year than I was this year. What say you?
November 27th, 2017 at 3:45 PM ^
It all depends on who is coming back for the teams next year. However, right now I say
1. Notre Dame on road >> Florida in Jerryworld
The actual road envirinoment and better team make this one easy.
2. MSU on the road = Wisconsin
This is being as optimistic about the Spartans as possible. WIsconsin this year and last year have been much better than MSU the last couple of years. MSU could ascend next year to Wisco's level and this assumes that happens. Plus, Camp Randell is just a tougher venue to play at.
3. OSU on the road at noon = PSU on the road at night
If these were both night games, then OSU would be harder. But, they are not. Always tough to win either place.
All of that said, the biggest change is the ND game. BUT, that is the first game of the year and non-conference, so even if it doesn't go well, Michigan can overcome it over the course of the season.
November 27th, 2017 at 3:54 PM ^
Close your eyes and imagine answering this question at the end of next year.
Michigan's two toughest road games were at #9 at night and #4. Both games UM stuck around for half of the game (a little longer in the game later in the year versus #4)
Florida was bad, but that was neutral game.
So, how do OSU, MSU and ND look at this time next year? OSU is sure to be top ten. So, similar to one of this year's road games. How about MSU and ND? Hard to say. Both have had inexplicably bas seasons and some good seasons where they equal OSU. Neither have been as consistant as Wisco.
Do I think both MSU and ND finish next year in the top 10? No. One might. But, I think that they may both be top 20 teams. So, if PSU at night this year is the same as OSU next year, do you think two top 20 road games is harder than a top 5 road game?
Good thread topic IMHO.
November 27th, 2017 at 3:56 PM ^
November 27th, 2017 at 4:15 PM ^
Michigan defense going to be better next year.
Michigan offense going to be better next year.
The end.
November 27th, 2017 at 4:19 PM ^
Doesn't matter. We're gonna win them all next year.
November 27th, 2017 at 4:24 PM ^
You don't really know until next year and the games are played. You don't know if the other team will have someone injured that is a key player, if they are really as good or bad as they were the year before until the game happens. I thought this years schedule was going to be brutal but it actually was a pretty easy schedule when it is all said and done, we just could never get the QB/offense in sync. So you will know more next year when they actually have to play the game. I do prefer a tougher schedule with the CFP. Look at Auburn if they win they are in with 2 losses, and Wisconsin is essentially out if they lose because of how weak their sheduling is. Simple answer is just win.
November 27th, 2017 at 5:23 PM ^
I agree. We have been competitive with OSU and MSU during away games over the last several years. Not so much at Wisconsin and PSU at night
November 27th, 2017 at 5:35 PM ^
November 27th, 2017 at 11:45 PM ^
Yeah no.
Having to travel into all of your rivals' environments in one year can pretty much top anything. The only wrench in that statement is PSU, which could be a harder environment than maybe a MSU game (depending on game time).
November 28th, 2017 at 12:21 AM ^
Are we a favorite in any of the tough games with our QB situation? We will be going against McSorley, Lerwenke, Hornibrook and the kid from OSU. I don't even know who the ND QB is so I can't comment on him.
But right now, all the teams above have at least a better, or a much better QB than us. I'm afraid without better QB play we will be in the same boat next year that we were in this year. Now if we can get some good QB play we will be in all these games. How many we win is anyone's guess but I would say 50%.