Positivity for The Game
Yes, the Illinois game was rough. Passing has looked rocky for some games. Corum, Edwards, Keegan, Morris, Schoony, and Henning have had some injuries.
And it is true that Ohio State is a very talented team.
But!
Against Ohio State: Maryland was 30-36 until late in the 4th. Northwestern (Northwestern!) was 7-14 until late in the 4th. Penn State was 24-30 until late in the 4th, and ended up losing only 44-31 after 3 turnovers (one a pick 6). Toledo scored 21 on OSU (and not in garbage time). Notre Dame managed 10-21 against them. For many portions of these games, OSU's run game got shut down. For many portions of these games, OSU's passing game got muted. For many portions of these games, other teams (including Northwestern even when OSU knew Northwestern was going to run) could run on OSU.
So, Ohio State has its share of imperfect moments. Stroud has missed some passes. OSU's receivers have missed some catches. OSU's running game has its flaws. OSU's defense has its flaws. It has some injuries, too.
And even without some of our players, Michigan is better than Maryland, Northwestern, Penn State, Toledo, and Notre Dame. Michigan is #3 in CFP, API, Coach's Poll, and within a spot or two of Ohio State in FPI, SP+, and FEI for good reason.
We WILL see some of Corum, Edwards, Keegan, Morris, Schoony, and Henning back for The Game.
In fact, we might see ALL of them back for The Game.
Maybe most importantly -- gone are the days of feeling that OSU victory was ordained.
The 2021 Wolverines stuffed that narrative into a sack, beat it soundly with a stick, and threw it into the river.
Many people see teams invigorated to play Michigan. Playing their best and with greatest intensity for a chance to beat Michigan. Now, Ohio State can be worried that they might get beat; and Michigan can go in there with joy and high spirits at the opportunity.
Fellow Wolverines, our team is getting its chance for victory. They want it more than anything.
And they will get after it.
Like you'd expect from a whole pack of high-energy, tough, snarling, biting Wolverines.
Go Blue!
November 23rd, 2022 at 10:10 AM ^
Since everything has pretty much been said about the game saturday, and I cant start a thread of my own, I was disappointed to see the student section for the Illinios game. It looked maybe 60% full.
I know it was cold and windy but ffs it was senior day. The last home game of an undefeated season before the osu game. It looked bad on TV.
November 23rd, 2022 at 10:39 AM ^
Excellent post.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Go Blue!
November 23rd, 2022 at 10:41 AM ^
Excellent post.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Go Blue!
November 23rd, 2022 at 11:09 AM ^
The best thing you mention is the renewed optimism Michigan fans can have for this game. That is why last year was more of an exorcism than a game.
I love that Michigan has found a way to compete with OSU using a very unique style that not many other CFB teams employ, and that addresses OSU’s strengths: beat them down physically, dominate time of possession, keep their offense off the field, wear down their D while keeping ours fresh.
No guarantees are possible for a game like this, but at least we know we can play with them. And a win…my goodness, the good things it will bring!!
November 23rd, 2022 at 6:51 PM ^
Win the “Game”
November 24th, 2022 at 4:09 PM ^
I deal with nerves during the buildup to the game but I’m much better with it this year knowing Michigan won some respect since 2021. We moved the needle when many thought this rivalry was over. The injuries and unsuccessful downfield game has put a damper on expectations but I think there remains one fact, Michigan is physical. It will show on Saturday. I know we missed that at the Illinois game. We see why the game looked bad. But the Motivation is here this year and all of the focus.
In the 55 years I’ve been a student of the game, I realized games are won and lost up front barring turnovers. And Stroud isn’t a perfect quarterback.
This will be the week when there is no more reason to hold JJ back. I think he is due to show out if he brings lessons he has gained this season. We shall see. The run game and RPOs will be fun.
Go Blue! Go down there and wreck their season!