New S&P+ rankings, and a look at Michigan's next three oppnents
Here are Michigan's updated S&P+ rankings through six games.
Overall: 5 Offense: 25 Defense: 2 Special teams: 8
The stats of the opponents of Michigan's next three games:
Wisconsin:
Overall: 13 Offense: 8 Defense: 55 Special teams: 23
Michigan State:
Overall: 31 Offense: 62 Defense: 24 Special teams: 37
Penn State:
Overall: 7 Offense: 9 Defense: 20 Special teams: 98
October 7th, 2018 at 4:11 PM ^
Perhaps you're right. OSU's defense has given up several big plays. They'll have the next ~3 games to attempt to solidify their defensive ranking. We'll see where it is then, especially after preseason projections have been removed.
October 7th, 2018 at 12:53 PM ^
Download it now while you can.
October 7th, 2018 at 12:50 PM ^
So Wisconsin's defense is only 2 spots ahead of Maryland's.
Msu's offense is only 5 spots ahead of Nebraska's.
We should be heavily favored in both of these games. We are one of only three teams in the Big Ten that have a "complete" team, i.e. both offense and defense are in the top 25, and one unit is in the top 5.
October 7th, 2018 at 1:01 PM ^
If you put any stock in ESPN's FPI, they say that Michigan has a 73.9% and a 70.2% chance of victory against Wisconsin and Michigan State, respectively.
October 7th, 2018 at 1:06 PM ^
I wonder why. Is it because of the venue? Wisconsin is a far, far better team than MSU.
October 7th, 2018 at 1:13 PM ^
Definitely the venue. Notice how we've played at home this season. We've outscored our four home opponents 192-54.
October 7th, 2018 at 1:22 PM ^
IS there a good reason people say “respectively” after listing two teams ? I really is it cliche ? Nevertheless understood that one. Maybe it’s proper grammar ? But I don’t see how it would be improper to just end the sentence.
October 7th, 2018 at 1:44 PM ^
“Respectively” just means in the same order. He gave percentages and then the two teams and by saying “respectively” it just means you can match up the percentages with the teams without making assumptions.
Despite how it sounds it has nothing to do with respect (sorry Dantonio)
October 7th, 2018 at 1:53 PM ^
I.E. whenever referring to Michigan State, the proper phrasing would be "disrespectively" or "#disrespektively" whichever you prefer.
October 7th, 2018 at 12:52 PM ^
Strength vs Strength with Wisco and Penn State.... Lol sparty.
One game at a time though.
October 7th, 2018 at 12:53 PM ^
What's the opening line for next week? I'm thinking M -6.5 sounds about right.
October 7th, 2018 at 1:06 PM ^
Just don't want to see a slow start. Michigan has better coaches: Ed Warinner, Don Brown, Jim McElwain, Jim Harbaugh, Wisconsin can't match these. Michigan St can't either, and I don't think Penn St either.
There might be a huge showdown coming against Ohio St.
October 7th, 2018 at 1:23 PM ^
I was thinking -4.5
October 7th, 2018 at 1:45 PM ^
Fair enough. I can compromise at -5.5!
October 7th, 2018 at 1:05 PM ^
I'm feeling pretty bullish on our team right now. I think we definitely have the best defense in the league and the way Patterson and the receivers are starting to click - and how our pass protection has come along - our offense has a very high ceiling. I think there's a solid chance we go into Columbus with a shot at the league title. (I know, one game at a time...)
October 7th, 2018 at 1:19 PM ^
Im concerned about our slow starts..weve had quite a few this year ..we HAVE to have good starts the next 3 weeks..no more scratching and clawing from behind..Even yesterday we had another slow start
October 7th, 2018 at 1:22 PM ^
Yesterday was different from the ND/NW games where we were dominated in the first quarter. In the first quarter yesterday, we outgained them something like 130-20. We just didn't pick up a couple of 3rd downs (and one 4th down) deep in Maryland territory.
October 7th, 2018 at 1:30 PM ^
Defense wins championships. . .
October 7th, 2018 at 1:37 PM ^
The must wins are MSU and PSU for a chance to win the division.
October 7th, 2018 at 2:27 PM ^
The must wins are all of them if you don't want all of the negative BPONE nancies polluting the boards.
October 7th, 2018 at 2:52 PM ^
UW's offense does not match up to Michigan's defense, at all. They run very well, but they have one RB and a non-moveable tree stump at QB. They block well, but lost the best blocker they had (the blocking TE), so that will take a hit. They don't have the speed Michigan has across the field. They're going to struggle to move the ball and score, just like they struggled last year. And with a competent offense on the field for Michigan this year (and home field advantage), the UW struggle will be exceedingly difficult.
If anyone thinks that occasionally hitting a big play, and working HARD to score 20 points, is going to beat Michigan again this year, well... Nope. Not with the offense coming on as it is. Yesterday we saw Harbaugh's intention - sustain long drives and score every time you get the ball. Be fancy enough to keep it rolling along and dominate ToP. He's shown enough tricks the last couple of games that UW cannot sit back and work on just the basic M offense. They need to prep for Shea keeping it (thanks NW); for two FB's running or catching; for a real PA to a 6'8" TE; for three WRs and a slot ninja; for an outstanding running game. And Evans should be back, too...
This team is a very well balanced machine right now. And its still getting better on offense...
October 7th, 2018 at 3:19 PM ^
No. PSU was the one that had the bye. Arguably part of the reason they had a game plan that torched our D early.
Our bye was before MSU which doesn’t help my case though. I remember because we were 4-0 after Purdue when OKorn looked good. Had a bye to get him starter reps then pfffffft massive fart against Sparty.
October 7th, 2018 at 5:14 PM ^
S&P tells you the expected spread. That’s much more important than the rankings. Why didn’t you post those or at least the link?
October 7th, 2018 at 6:36 PM ^
20-16 Michigan over Wisconsin
27-12 Michigan over racism and Mork
31-28 Michigan over yuck state
boom ..hot take, or it could be the day drinkin