I think that, as the university president, Schlissel has to emphasize academics, at least publicly. I wouldn't worry about athletics being deemphasized.
I was at the game tonight, so I figured I'd share a few impressions:
* The amount of time Michigan spent in the Lowell zone made the Michigan offense often look like a power play even when playing at even strength. Can't overstate how well they controlled most of the game.
* The goals we did give up were a little concerning, though. I'm no hockey expert, but there appeared to be some pretty obvious defensive breakdowns on at least 2 of the goals, where Lowell was able to get a guy right to the net for an open look, with no Michigan player around to even bother the guy or break up the pass. The last Lowell goal (I think) was the only one that seemed to come from a sustained offensive attack.
* Watching Racine reminded me a little bit of watching Blackburn back in the day. He'd make some good saves, and then appear to kind of fall asleep in net and let an easy one in or have a near miss whistle by him without any reaction. There were some times where he obviously had no idea where the puck was, even if it was right in front of him.
All in all, a really fun game to watch and a solid win. Let's hope they can keep it up against BU, and let's hope Lowell gets their heads on straight and sticks it to MSU tomorrow.
I'm the opposite of aMAIZEingSean--went to Cornell undergrad, Michigan for grad school--and when I read this, I almost spit coffee all over my monitor. I'm not sure the Cornell football team would be good enough to serve as Michigan's scout team.
I'm also seeing something in the 8-4 neighborhood; I'd break it down thusly:
1. Utah: Win
I think the team will struggle a bit with this game but pull it out. I'd predict a relatively ugly offensive performance, meaning this will be one of those games the defense wins for us.
2. Miami Ohio: Win
If this is the "game we lose even though we shouldn't," I'll feel almost as bad as I did after last year's season-opening debacle. Almost.
3. at Notre Dame: Win
A good college football coach might make this a tough one for Michigan. Good thing Charlie Weis isn't a good college football coach.
4. Wisconsin: Loss
Right now, I just have the feeling the Badgers are the better team.
5. Illinois: Win
On paper, we should probably lose this, but I'm still not a believer in Ron Zook. And I think the Illini will miss Rashard Mendenhall more than they think.
6. Toledo: Win
7. at Penn State: Loss
Man, it looks weird to type that. I think I'm just assuming that Penn State will be a tough place to play, even if JoePa last beat us when he was in his 30s (give or take a few years).
8. Michigan State: Win
I know there's a good chance we'll lose this one. I still refuse to predict that outcome.
9. at Purdue: Loss
This feels like a good candidate for the game we shouldn't lose but do. I have no real justification for that statement, of course.
10. at Minnesota: Win
11. Northwestern: Win
12. at Ohio State: Loss
Let's just keep expectations low for this one, so that we can either be pleasantly surprised by a win, or right about a loss.
Recent Comments
I always assumed their players emphasized "The" in their university's name because it's the only word they can spell correctly.
We won't know whether Schrodinger's Hawkeyes are actually on the schedule until the November 12th game begins.
Nope, the Globe writers still don't know a damn thing about college sports.
If Shaughnessy's predicting Bates to Michigan, I'd bet good money that Bates won't be the next AD.
I was at the game tonight, so I figured I'd share a few impressions:
* The amount of time Michigan spent in the Lowell zone made the Michigan offense often look like a power play even when playing at even strength. Can't overstate how well they controlled most of the game.
* The goals we did give up were a little concerning, though. I'm no hockey expert, but there appeared to be some pretty obvious defensive breakdowns on at least 2 of the goals, where Lowell was able to get a guy right to the net for an open look, with no Michigan player around to even bother the guy or break up the pass. The last Lowell goal (I think) was the only one that seemed to come from a sustained offensive attack.
* Watching Racine reminded me a little bit of watching Blackburn back in the day. He'd make some good saves, and then appear to kind of fall asleep in net and let an easy one in or have a near miss whistle by him without any reaction. There were some times where he obviously had no idea where the puck was, even if it was right in front of him.
All in all, a really fun game to watch and a solid win. Let's hope they can keep it up against BU, and let's hope Lowell gets their heads on straight and sticks it to MSU tomorrow.
I'm also seeing something in the 8-4 neighborhood; I'd break it down thusly:
1. Utah: Win
I think the team will struggle a bit with this game but pull it out. I'd predict a relatively ugly offensive performance, meaning this will be one of those games the defense wins for us.
2. Miami Ohio: Win
If this is the "game we lose even though we shouldn't," I'll feel almost as bad as I did after last year's season-opening debacle. Almost.
3. at Notre Dame: Win
A good college football coach might make this a tough one for Michigan. Good thing Charlie Weis isn't a good college football coach.
4. Wisconsin: Loss
Right now, I just have the feeling the Badgers are the better team.
5. Illinois: Win
On paper, we should probably lose this, but I'm still not a believer in Ron Zook. And I think the Illini will miss Rashard Mendenhall more than they think.
6. Toledo: Win
7. at Penn State: Loss
Man, it looks weird to type that. I think I'm just assuming that Penn State will be a tough place to play, even if JoePa last beat us when he was in his 30s (give or take a few years).
8. Michigan State: Win
I know there's a good chance we'll lose this one. I still refuse to predict that outcome.
9. at Purdue: Loss
This feels like a good candidate for the game we shouldn't lose but do. I have no real justification for that statement, of course.
10. at Minnesota: Win
11. Northwestern: Win
12. at Ohio State: Loss
Let's just keep expectations low for this one, so that we can either be pleasantly surprised by a win, or right about a loss.