Who is Justin? Justin is my brother from another mother. Alright that is a lie. He is my real brother. He breaths Michigan as I do. I called upon to join this prestigious round table.


Who is Irish? Irish is the lone Notre Dame fan on Mgoblog. He has been known to be the only level headed Notre Dame fan within a 1000 miles of south bend. He often stops in on our Midnight chats.


1.Why will Michigan Win?


Shredder: Because we Blitz! Oh yeah. No really because Denard goes all 2010 on them. Or we find out that our running back Fitz and Shaw are better then we thought. We also win the turnover war which will be a big deal. Our defense get lucky again and finds its self in the right place at the right time.


Justin: Hype of the first night game tilts Michigan for the win. I do think Denard gets unleashed.


Irish: After watching the UM/WMU game I was feeling a sense of deja vu. Western turned the ball over, made some dumb penalties and really shot themselves in the foot in the red zone.  UM played their game and took advantage when they could.  There wasn't one outstanding play which turned the game but they just executed pretty solidly and it put the game out of reach.  ND played like WMU last weekend, all the penalties, the turnovers, ND could not execute until the 2nd half and by then 2 severe weather evacuations couldn't save them, they had dug their grave.  UM will win on just executing their gameplan


2.Why Does Michigan Lose?


Shredder: Rees dinks and dunks us to death. T-Wolf isn't 100% and Floyd has a field day like 2009 before getting hurt. Teo and the other golden domes stop the run well and cause Denard to use his arm in which he throws INTs that cost us big.


Justin: We suck at getting pressure on the QB. The new offense still has kinks and that cost us big. And  with Brain Kelly Threatening to chop some players heads off it scares his team enough to win for their lives.


Irish: Mistakes, and the trenches.  I wasn't expecting a pocket QB to be able to scamper so easily out of the pocket.  How, HOW can a MAC Oline beat the UM Dline on the goal line?  Thats just manning up and getting lower than the guy across from you.  How about a WMU 4 man rush that gets to the QB, it didn't look like one of the better Olines in the conference.  There was some poor play on both sides of the ball for UM, other people have talked about specific players but just in general, poor tackling at times, not lining up on defense correctly.  Those are 2 things in particular that could hurt more against a team who gets the ball to players in space (when they can catch it at least) and moves at their own pace down the field


3.Does Brian Kelly Need Help?


Shredder: Yes I suppose. If he stays on his current path he will end up like Chris Farlys character in Billy Madison. Driving a School Bus and cursing at kids. "That will stop your field trip...Pretty damn quick".


Justin: Ummm Yes the guy is batshit crazy he gonna burst a blood vessel!


Irish: lol, is there smug counseling available.  I might be in-line for some myself


4.Rees is starting. Should he be?


Shredder: Yeah he doesn't seem to crap his pants when something goes wrong. Crist seems to have melt downs when a INT is thrown or he sees steam coming out of Kelly's ears. Rees is also a good QB who seems to make the right plays and has a hunch for finding Floyd.


Justin: No I think Crist should the guy. He did pretty good last year vs Michigan. I think he gets a bad rap. But I didn't coach GVSU to 100 NC so what do I know?


Irish: At this point Kelly has to start him, I would have been annoyed if he went back to Crist.  You can't get 2 guys ready for the game, he made the decision to change QBs he needed to stick with his decision.  And when you compare the 2 different halves of the game, there was a lot more offense with Rees on the field.


5.Who wins the Turnover Battle and Why?


Shredder: Gotta go with Michigan. They will play it a bit safer. Notre Dame will try to throw it over the yard. Rees is still young and will make a mistake. If Crist is in he may shit the bed. As long as Denard doesn't pat the ball 25 times then he won't throw a INT.


Justin: It doesn't matter who the QB is. The loud crowd and the pressure of Kelly will cause INTs and mistakes. Michigan for sure wins this battle. It could be close if Denard makes a mistake but we will see.


Irish: Well UM is squarely in the lead at this point and I don't expect ND to even the score anytime soon.  There are times that its impossible to hold onto the ball, none of ND's TOs fall into that category sadly.  All are preventable though, can they correct it in 1 week?  Rees can go on a run of ints in a game but has shown the ability to still pull out the win, ND defense will keep this team winning (well eventually I hope) more than the offense, they both will need to make plays this season.  


6.Will Michigan's running backs go over a 100 yards?


Shredder: I don't think. I think Michigan does it if you throw in Denard but straight from the backs? No. If Fitz comes out and does get 100... Start to peg this guy as our starting back going forward. He showed some things in that game but I think the Teo and Notre Dame defense is pretty good.


Justin: Yeah I think Shaw and Fitz can do it. Throw in Hopkins and the new emphasis on running the ball. I think they break a few off. This might be Fitzs coming out party but we will see...


Irish: No way I can answer that.  ND took away the passing game and the RB last season because they didn't respect denard's abilities.  The defense has gotten better no matter how people try to convince themselves otherwise.  They could go with the same gameplan, I think they're more likely to sell out to the RB while trying to contain the QB.  Make Denard win with his arm this time?  


7.A Michigan win will cause you to what?


Shredder: To leave the game with my pants off which will ruin any chance at another night game at the Big House.


Justin: Happy the win and about our chances once the B10 season starts.


Irish: Laugh, no matter how the loss comes it will be a meltdown.  Firebriankelly.com will be registered, new coaching candidates will come up, it will be glorious for all the wrong reasons.  I wasn't looking for a NC team this year but a lot of people massaged themselves to the point that the world would definitely end tomorrow.


8.A Michigan lose with cause you to what?


Shredder: Will cause me to sob as I leave the Big House. At least it will be dark so Notre Dame fans can't try and steal my tears to slurp as they celebrate a big win.


Justin: Let down and to swear off night games. I will also hope the loss doesn't linger from losing another big game.


Irish: It would depend on how it comes.  ND would need to blow out UM for it to even be accepted that ND won and that is really unlikely.  ND has a lot more to lose in this game than UM, but Hoke has the most to gain from a win.  I would be content with a win, it sure would be better than the loss last weekend.  It will be fun to watch the excuses no matter who wins but I would prefer UM fans were making the excuses this year


9.What Notre Dame player are you worried about having an impact?


Shredder: Floyd... Who else? Teo maybe but Floyd for sure. He is a monster in the red zone and was a killer in 09 before getting hurt. He will get his.. I know that with out a doubt. Can Michigan soften that blow he will create will be the question.


Justin: I consider Floyd a top 5 receiver in the country and very scary to our secondary. He may have a field day. At least Boo Boo isn't around to get worked.. Shredder: Yeah he is getting worked in jail! #ZING!


Irish: (UM)


10.No team has won three in a row... Who you got?

Shredder: I hate not picking Michigan but with a new offense and defense and coaches. I think bugs and kinks still need to be worked out. I am not sold on Denard not patting the ball 30 some times and unloading a INT to the safety. If they stop the run game we will be in trouble. Can the Defense blitz like they did vs WMU? and work? Notre Dame looked good beside their dumb plays that cost them the game. I also belive in these dumb stats(no team has won 3 in a row). That is a lot of history to over come. I hate to say it but ND 34 and Michigan 28

Justin: I got Michigan. Hows that Shredder? I like Denard going all Denard to get this win. Coaches are not dummies. He will be used like RR used him. I think the defense will do just enough to secure the win and plus the night game and all the pressure is on Notre Dame. I really like Michigan. No score.. Don't ask.

Irish: Still have to go with ND, still like the matchup on offense and defense despite week 1 results, not that the defense looked bad though

11 Anything else?

Shredder: I will be in A2 all day for this historic game. I can't wait. It should be a fun game. I just want it close. I would hate to have another Oregon experience with such hype. Lets see what this team can do in 4 quarters of game. Show us what you got Michigan 11.

Justin: Thanks for having me and Go Blue Mother f-ers.

Irish: It should be a good game, looking forward to 12:05 early sunday morning (you're always late). 
Shredder: Sorry Irish I will be on my way back from A2 laying in the back on my Ford Escape either crying or yelling cuss words and hail to the victors at strangers in down town A2.

 

1. What will a win against MSU mean to Michigan, what will it mean to you?

SCS100: It will mean a ton to Michigan and give them a huge confidence boost for the rest of the season. If they win this weekend, that momentum might carry them through Iowa and Penn State, both games I had marked down as losses at the beginning of the season. To me, it will mean that I don't have to hear any crap from my friends at State until basketball season. Good thing I don't care about basketball.

Seth9: To Michigan, beating MSU is an important step in the rebuilding and transformation of the program. It also means that we are bowl eligible and that we managed to beat our second rival for the first time in the Rodriguez tenure. And finally, it would be an important Big Ten win. But still, it's just another step. To me, it means that I no longer have to put up with my friends who went to MSU making fun of me.

The Shredder: Mean a lot. Like that monster thing on that girls awesome blog (Ed: I’m guessing he is talking about Hyperbole and a Half?). Just sick of hearing MSU fans acting like two years is 10 years. It's like they are kids who were never fed candy. Now they got their hands on some and act super hyper/spaz about getting two wins in series that they haven't been even close to sniffing our balls(wait does that make sense?). It's more of not wanting to hear them for the next year with their count downs and trolling. Notice how never did a count the day from your last win from 02-07? Because we expect to win. You hope to win. That has always been the difference.

Dark Blue: When we win the jame peeps are gonna know that we are back. For reelz this time. Also instead of listening to Sparty gloat about winning two years in a row, we get to listen to Sparty bitch about how they were screwed outta this jame. This jame is HUGE

2. How many yards do we put up, how many do we give up?

SCS100: We put up 482 yards and give up 436 yards.

Seth9: We will put up 500 and give up 515.

The Shredder: .If UM wants to win it's gonna have to be some good scoring. So we put up 620 and they put up 588.

Dark Blue: We put up about 600, and give up somewhere about 500. Most of the yards we give up will be through the air, I mean Cousins is a goodt QB, and our rush D isn’t bad.

3. Can GERG fix the defense (I don't think anything is wrong with the defense, they just have to be goodt enough to win)?

SCS100: Currently, no. He needs more depth and better players overall. Come back next year and ask this question again.

Seth9: GERG cannot fix the defense. Nobody can fix the defense. A defense that is constantly forced to play a 7-8 man zone and still gives up passing yards in bunches is irreparable this season. The only thing we can do, imo, is try to send more pass-rushers for the purpose of forcing bad throws that our more talented players, like Jonas Mouton, can grab up for interceptions.

The Shredder: .Having Herron back should help. I hope to see Roh with his hand down. I don't want him wondering around out in the secondary doing stuff he's not good at our out of his element. He's really like Donny if he is covering. You can't fix talent and freshmen, at least not this year. You just have to be better.

Dark Blue: Our D only has to be goodt enough to win, which so far they have been. Lets get some experience on this side of the ball, and we’ll be just fine.

4. Will Denard make Greg Jones his bitch?

SCS100: No. Greg Jones is that good and I think he will be the one guy who manages to keep Denard somewhat in check this season. That being said, the rest of State's defense is not that good and I wouldn't be surprised to see Denard torch State through a short passing game.

Seth9: Yes.

The Shredder: .I think the whole Denard vs Greg this is pretty blow out there. I think most has come from RCMB idiots with the "WAIT TELL DNOB! MEETS GREG JONES! HE WILL BE SOOOOOO DEAD! I mean will he tackle him at some point? Yes more than once. Will Denard get by Greg? Yes more than once. So I think it's all overrated. I know Teo isn't as sound as Greg due to his youth but he's pretty damn good and probably a better NFL prospect and Denard took his hits and ran around him(or Heisman posed him)

Dark Blue: Yes. No question Jim

5. Final Score?

SCS100: Michigan squeaks by 42-38.

Seth9: MSU 44, Michigan 42. Denard will shred MSU's defense, but Kirk Cousins and co. will shred our secondary.

The Shredder: Man this game is such a toss up. I feel the same way I felt at ND but this one is at home which makes it even harder. MSU prepares for M better than anyone. If they stop Deanrd and Michigan just a few times it could be a huge swing in the score. I just can't see the Defense being good enough in play action to get stops. At some point the defense is gonna have to help win games. I expect it to be close but we lose in a tight one but I am hoping I wrong via ND. MSU 38 UM 35.

Dark Blue: MICH 49 MSU 35

6. If we win what does that mean for the rest of the season?

SCS100: It means that we will probably be on a huge momentum roll that will either come to a screeching halt against Iowa or carry us through and potentially set us up for a 10-2 season (don't hold your breath on that). The main thing is to take it one game at a time and just hope for the best.

Seth9: If we win, it means that we are in the race for a Big Ten title.

The Shredder: It means we could win 9-10 games. That would be out standing going into 2011. We would be riding high and people could stop killing us for who we have played. It also pushes Denard farther into the Heisman talk. A loss can kill it fast.

Dark Blue: It means that peeps no we are back fo realz. It also is the first (okay second) step towards a Big Ten Title.

7. Give us your best DERP I know an MSU fan story

SCS100: Inexplicably, if I don't count all of the trolling comments/RCMB posts that I've read, I don't have one. My neighbors were Spartans/Spartan fans and none of them gave me much flack. Another acquaintance of mine is a rabid Spartan fan, but he respects Michigan and is not idiotic in his thinking. He's also quite critical of Rick Comley (State's hockey coach), which is something you won't hear much. I guess I've just been lucky.

Seth9: My favorite MSU fan story was meeting one in my dorm last year who goes to Michigan. I asked him why he rooted for MSU and he said that he was a MSU fan for life but went Michigan for undergrad because MSU wasn't strong enough academically for him. This amused me considerably.

The Shredder: A former MSU player I work with lies all the time. He said he scored TDs in such in such games. I looked up his stats and he only played in blow outs and never really saw the field. He also claims that Saban still contacts him to come help recruit at Bama which makes zero sense why you wouldn't drop your 2-10 to go do that. It's sad.

Dark Blue: I covered this here. I’m sure I can think of a better story, but I haven’t the time.

8. any thing else?

SCS100: This would be a very important win, but remember, even if we lose, the goal is to get to a bowl game and have a decent record. We can achieve this even if we lose to State, so don't think that this game is the end of the world.

Seth9: Michigan will have to play some defense this week. We cannot afford to pull another UMass or Indiana. Hopefully, Rodriguez and GERG came up with an idea to get a few stops this week, or we will lose. That said, we do have several intangibles in our favor that could swing the game in our favorable. First of all, it's a home game, which is a big deal in a rivalry. Secondly, it's MSU's first road game of the year and this isn't exactly an easy environment that they'll be playing in. And thirdly, MSU has yet to face an offense anything like ours, so they're defense will have major issues preparing for the game.

The Shredder: This the biggest game UM has played in some time. It's nice to have these big games again. I hope I am dead wrong and we win this game. MSU is very balanced and dangerous. They will really test UM. I just want Michigan to come out with the same intensity as MSU. I feel we have failed to bring that the last two year. MSU has just seemed to want it more(UM slept walked through most of last years game). I want our guys to run out for blood. I think this teams is older and is understanding how important it is to put the bitch back in her place. GO BLUE.

Dark Blue: Just this MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICH. And Greg Jones can still suck it.

 

1. How excited are you for the Big Ten season to kick off

SCS100: Very excited, as it will truly tell us how good this team is. While we had a decent out of conference schedule (for once), there is nothing that makes up for conference play. If we go 4-4 or better in conference play, then we will have truly turned the corner.

Shredder: Very, just for Michigan to come out and prove that this isn't 2009. Like every non UM fans says in that dumb voice. "YA YA!! FORCIER WAS GONNA WIN THE HEISMAN LAST YEAR WAIT UNTIL B10 PLAY STARTS". I have lost count on how many times I hear this. We should know by PSU week of this team in for real or not.

Seth9: I am not remotely excited. Having games against MSU, Iowa, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State on the horizon strikes me as rather dull, as ESPN has informed me that the not-at-all overhyped SEC conference slate will be the only thing that I pay attention to for the remainder of the year. (OK, I'll turn off the sarcasm switch for the rest of this)

Dark Blue: I’m pretty excited, this is Michigan’s chance to show the hater’s that we have turned the corner. 8-0 baby, 8-0

2. How optimistic are you for MICH in Big Ten play?

SCS100: I feel that Michigan will go anywhere between 3-5 and 5-3 in conference play. I'll just take the middle and say 4-4, with losses to Iowa, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State.

Shredder: Pretty high at this point. We just are not turning the ball over which makes a huge difference. We hung in games when giving the ball up last year. If we can keep this up we should keep scoring in the 30s and 40s. I dont expect it to go this well forever but we have shown that we wont cough it up as much. If Denard can survive B10 play than we maybe looking at 8-9 wins.

Seth9: I'm worried about Michigan's ability to play well in the Big Ten, to be honest. While the offense should be excellent, our issues on defense and special teams are quite concerning. Our present inability to kick a field goal outside of the redzone, combined with a rather shaky defense, could cost us several games in Big Ten play. On the other hand, having the most electrifying and awesome player in the country could easily win us several game as well. An emotional rollercoaster is on the horizon.

Dark Blue: Extremely Optimistic. I don’t know if there is a defense in the Big Ten that can stop our Offense, at the same time I’m not sure that there is a QB who can pick apart our defense although we shall know more about that after this weekend.

3. What does MICH have to do to be successful against Indiana

SCS100: Actually stop Indiana's offense occasionally (I think their offense will probably do a lot of damage against our D) and not turn the ball over. Do these things and we should be fine.

Shredder: Just run it baby. Run and run some more. Also make IU punt at least three times and we should be alright. I expect IU to have a bit of shell shock for the first quarter due to the jump in competition. They will need to adjust to that. You go from pushing the Towsons of the world around to being mauled by Michigan, it's gonna take a bit for IU to catch up to the speed and power of Michigan. Lets hope its too late by than.

Seth9: Michigan needs to keep doing what they've been doing on offense, namely eviscerate overmatched defenses without mercy. Defensively, we need to avoid any crippling mistakes and make a few stops against Indiana's strong passing attack. Thankfully, Indiana has shown weakness in the running game and on their offensive line, which will help. Redzone defense will also be key for Michigan, as Indiana's passing attack will likely take advantage of soft coverage and get down the field.

Dark Blue: Run the ball and not turn it over. They do these two things and this game isn’t even close.

4. How many yards of total offense do the Wolverines put up against Indiana, how many yards do we give up

SCS100: 542 yards of offense for us and 479 yards for them.

Shredder: We put up 525 and give up 398

Seth9: We will run up 525 yards of offense and give up 400. Indiana's going to put together a number of drives and rack up yards against our secondary, but we are the superior team.

Dark Blue: We put up over 600 yards including over 400 on the ground, we only give up about 320, most of which are through the air.

5. What is the final score of the Indiana game?

SCS100: This game and the next will probably turn into shootouts, so I'll say Michigan wins 52-38.

Shredder:  I feel like the game is either blow out or really close. No 31 to 21 score. I Think IU's poor scheduling hurts them and Michigan wins 42-24

Seth9: Michigan 42, Indiana 31

Dark Blue: 52-21 MICH

6. What is Michigan's final record in Big Ten play?

SCS100: As I said above, 4-4.

Shredder: A bit early to say. I can't throw that out just yet. After Iowa, get back to me.

Seth9: I'm currently betting on 4-4. We'll almost certainly lose to OSU and Wisconsin, and we'll probably beat Purdue, Illinois, and Indiana. I think we'll beat MSU and lose to Penn State and Iowa, but I'm a lot less certain on those. I wouldn't be surprised if we did better than 4-4 by stealing a game or two against teams like Penn State and Iowa, but I also wouldn't be surprised if we wound up losing to MSU.

Dark Blue: Need you even ask? 8-0 bitches 8-0

7. What player on both sides of the ball has the best year? Who breaks out the rest of the year

SCS100: Denard obviously on offense and Martin on defense.

Shredder: Denard and Mike Martin. If anyone says anything else you are fired from this blog....Wait don't go!!! Ahh I will go out on the limb and say Mike Cox gets his shot at IU and becomes one of our best backs. I know it maybe a reach but I still drool when he gets carries.

Seth9:Offense: Obvious. Seriously, why bother asking.

Defense: Mike Martin (also obvious)

Break out: Cullen Christian (well, I hope anyway). I'm already considering Taylor Lewan as having broken out.

Dark Blue: Denard and Martin are the two obvious choices. As far as breaking out, on offense I think we’ll see Cox get some more time, and have a chance. On Defense I’m excepting Cam Gordon and Ray VinoGRIT to play really well from here on out. 

8. Anything I missed?

SCS100:Don't take this game for granted (it's a huge trap game), but if we win, things are looking good.

Shredder: Yeah what about the business ethics of Madison Hotels? We didn't talk about that.

Seth9: One thing that will be very interesting to watch this year is how effective Michigan's new dime package is against non-MAC passing attacks. If we can competently defend 3rd and longs this year, we could be in for a very good season as our offense looks great and with our defense only needs to be good enough to survive a shootout.

Dark Blue: Fuck you Pam Ward and ESPNU that is all. Also no preview today, I’ve been swamped with shit to do, and haven’t had time. Hate week begins on Sunday!!!!!!!!

1. What impressed you most about the win in South Bend?

SCS100: Denard was obviously amazing, but it was the fact that the defense did not get shredded as badly as I expected them to. Even when Crist was playing, they weren't awful and managed to get one INT out of it. Overall, I would say that it was a relatively successful day for the D.

Seth9: The Denard Robinson led winning touchdown drive was definitely the most impressive thing for me. While his 87 yard touchdown run was awesome and certainly the highlight of the night, the winning drive was a work of mastery. Denard was 5-6 passing for 55 yards on that drive, as Michigan efficiently and methodically marched down the field for the touchdown. Also notable was that despite struggling at throwing the ball for most of the second half, Denard carved up the Notre Dame secondary during the drive. And to cap it all off, Michigan's excellent clock management made it so that Notre Dame got the ball back with only 20 seconds left.

The Shredder: The Defense with out a doubt. I know... DENARD DENARD!! OMG DENARD!! But the Defense was avg/solid and got many stops. I was always happy to see that Gallon could catch a punt with out issues. The front 3 played pretty well with Martin beating even triple teams. I hope we can keep Roh on the line but it seems like that was only the case with Herron in the game. With him hurt I am guessing we wont see that until maybe Indi. Floyd and Rogers did enough to keep ND in check and of course Cam had about as bad as a day that you can have. It's his 2nd game so I am not really worried. If the Defense can be average we can have a very good season.

Hulk: There was alot of good from the Maize and Blue from the win on Saturday. Denard was amazing again in South Bend. Racking up 502 yards of offense and showing the mental fortitude/killer instincts is amazing for a QB of Denard's experience. He looked like a grizzled vet with his decision making and control of the offense.
The downfield blocking from both recievers and OL was outstanding. The difference in getting downfield and throwing blocks for Denard is even greater than most other players in the country. If you throw a block for Denard, theres a good chance you turn that 5-10 yard gain into a 87 yard touchdown run. On the play that Denard housed it, not only did all the interior OL get their blocks to create the crease, but Roundtree and Odoms completely chop the legs out from the CBs. Even Stonum gets in the way of his guy to take away his angle. Then the key block on the play. Omameh completely destroys one of the best LBers in the nation in Te'o, forcing him 5 yards downfield and right into the path of the safety that had a angle on Denard. The toughness and hustle of this years team can all be seen in this one play.
The defense stepped up and created turnovers. Mouton looked like a stud in this game. The flea flicker where he read the QBs eyes while flying back to his zone was exceptional. Floyd was in perfect position, baiting Montana to throw the pass.

Dark Blue: Obviously Nard Dawg impressed everybody. I was really pleased with the defense. They bent, but they didn’t break which is a great sign for the rest of the season. The Linebackers played well and so did the secondary minus the boneheaded mistakes by Cam Gordon. Also the way that Brain Kelly chewed his young QB’s out on the sideline was pretty fucking hilarious.

2. Will Denard win the Heisman this year?

SCS100: No, only because I expect him to slow down at some point. We play extremely good defenses in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Ohio State. If he makes at least one of them look bad, then I'll rethink my position, and if he makes two out of three look bad, I'll say he should win. If he makes all three (or even just Ohio State's) look bad, then he should win and I'll start a torch and pitchfork community if he doesn't.

Seth9: Probably not. Denard's superhuman production levels will probably drop, as every defense we face from here on out will focus on him first and foremost. This will allow our other athletes opportunities to produce more, but the Heisman goes to the best individual performer. And it doesn't help that Denard is only an average QB when it comes to throwing the ball, which will irk Heisman voters, as will Michigan's status of not being an elite team yet.

That said, if I had to bet on an individual player to win the Heisman, I would bet on Denard. However, I give him less than a 50% chance of actually winning.

The Shredder: .TBD

Hulk: No. He has certainly played well enough to be the frontrunner right now, but I don't see him winning it because A)I just dont see him keeping the same pace vs. the good B10 teams and B) Michigan winning enough games for him to get real consideration. He is without question one of the most explosive/exciting players in the country, but the Heisman usually goes to a player on a team that is in the National Title hunt. I think Denard has a real chance of winning it in his next two years in Ann Arbor, but not this year.


Dark Blue: I think he has a better shot then anyone else, right now, to win it. DENARD IS A STUD.

3. Final Score of the UMass game?

SCS100: 45-14. UMASS is not a bad FCS team, so I'm a bit wary of even predicting this score. It could be lower, it could be higher. It probably depends on how much Denard plays.

Seth9: I'm predicting 45-10. We'll rack up the points early, but UMass will score on our second string defense a couple times and our production will slow down with our second string receivers and running backs.

The Shredder: Nardigan 42 Umass 13

Hulk: 52- 10. Michigan comes out and does what they should do. Pound UMass into submission. Denard will score early and often and Devin and Tate will get alot of time. We'll get to see alot of young guys on both sides of the ball.

Dark Blue: 56-17. Devin has a monster game.

4. What is your favorite Michigan tradition?

SCS100: The Banner. Running out of the tunnel and touching the banner while The Victors plays is rivaled by one tradition, the sign at Notre Dame in my opinion.

Seth9: When we in the student section do the _________ at hockey games.

The Shredder: Thats hard question right there. I love them all... Maybe having three new captions each game.... wait wait no I hated that one. Glad it's gone. I really love the Banner. It gets me all excited and crazy. My friends and I usually yell "You wanna get NUTS? LET GET NUTS!" after everyone jumps through or when Michigan has a big hit or play. We also have our own tradition on a Michigan kick off of yelling "RIP THEIR FUCKING HEADS OFF!!"  That will get a few looks from the white heads but we are always careful if kids are near by.

Hulk: Has to be all the winged helmets flying out to the middle of the field and touching the M club banner. Its a breathtaking moment.

Dark Blue: The two that stick with me the most, are the winged helmets and Touching the banner. Both are great U of M traditions.

5. Since we are a couple of games into the season, care to rethink you preseason final record Prediction?

SCS100: Since I had Notre Dame as a loss and I'm not so sure about Penn State anymore, I will revise my position to 9-3 with losses to Iowa, Wisconsin, and Ohio State. 10-2 is possible if Iowa slumps for no reason, but I'm still not convinced that we do better than 9 wins.

Seth9: I'm revising my prediction from 7-5 to 8-4. I really like our offense now, but our propensity to give up huge plays in the secondary is very concerning and will probably cost us some games down the road.

The Shredder: I said the low was 6-6 and high was 8-4. I and changing that by one game. Low is 7-5 and high will be 9-3.

Hulk: Eh, I'll predict 8-4 now instead of 7-5. I think we are a little better team now than I thought we would be, but our D will still cost us a few games.

Dark Blue: I predicted 13-0 and I’m gonna stick with that……………….for now.

6. How many yards of offense do we put up on the minutemen?

SCS100: 436 yards, the majority rushing. This is the game that I think the RB's finally show up.

Seth9: I'm betting on something in the neighborhood of 550. I think we'll get some short fields early on, which will limit yardage from getting much higher.

The Shredder: 9847897458957917079879247294 light years.... oh yards ahhh 700 even.

Hulk: 650. 375 passing, 275 rushing

Dark Blue: A whole fucking bunch, no way can this defense stop our offense, it ain’t happening.

7.Any think (thing) I missed?

SCS100: Considering the amount of upsets in the first two weeks, don't take anything for granted.

Seth9: Massachusetts undoubtedly has the best mascot of any team we play this year.

The Shredder: Any think I missed? I think you missed the "g" and hit the "k"...  On a serious note. I was just thinking... Has anyone seen Lloyd Carr's face at a Michigan football game since he retired? I haven't. Is it very telling? Hmmmm.... Something to ponder.

Dark Blue: MM meetup next week for the BGSU game.

 

 

1. What are the keys for Michigan beating UConn?

SCS100: Obviously outscore Uconn, but also minimize turnovers. If the offense can play as well as everyone expects them to and the defense at least proves competent, then we should be in pretty good shape.

Hulk: The offense coming out firing and the defense not giving up more than 1 50+ yard play.

Seth9: There are several keys to beating UConn. First of all, we need our defense to hold strong on third downs. While UConn is a run first team, which works well for us considering the veritable wasteland that is our secondary, we cannot afford to give up lots of third down conversions. Third downs killed us against Iowa and they could kill us here too if our secondary cannot do anything. Second of all, we need to hold strong when UConn enters the redzone. Our defense is going to give up yards, but if we can hold them to field goals rather than touchdowns when they get downfield, we have a good shot at winning. Finally, we cannot turn the ball over. Our defense has enough issues without our offense wasting opportunities or giving UConn great field position.

Shredder: Speed Speed and good tackling. Sounds football really. It wouldn't hurt if a RB went off and was a major weapon

Dark Blue: I think utilizing our speed is the most important key to beating UConn. The Huskies haven’t faired very well in the past against teams that run the spread. Also important will be limiting the big play. I’m sure we will give up some yards, but if we don’t let UConn do it in huge chunks against us we should be alright.

2. What do we absolutely have to avoid in order to beat UConn (turnovers, injuries, etc.)?

SCS100: HOLD ONTO/CATCH THE DAMN BALL! Oh, and limit turnovers, or at least have a positive turnover margin. Avoiding injuries will also help.

Hulk: Self inflicted mistakes (turnovers, penalties, blown assignments)

Seth9: We absolutely must avoid turnovers. Turnovers will kill us when you look at how our defense has shaped up. We also need to avoid giving up big plays, which will be a challenge for our very inexperienced secondary.

Shredder: Turnovers have been the issue for the last two years. Lets hope with some older guys now on the team that our TO luck will change. That and bad tackling. Its been pretty suspect since RR showed up and needs to become better. ALL YOUR ARM TACKLES BELONG TO US!

Dark Blue: Don’t turn the fucking ball over. Its that easy. If we don’t turn it over we win easily.

3. Who will lead Michigan in Rushing, Passing, Receiving, and Tackles?

SCS100: Rushing and passing leader will be Denard, receiving will be Stonum, tackles will be Martin, and return yardage will be Stonum.

Hulk: Rushing- Shaw     Passing- Robinson      Receiving- Roundtree      Tackles- Mouton

Seth9: Vincent Smith will lead Michigan in rushing, narrowly beating out Denard Robinson who will lead in YPC. I say this because I imagine that Denard will run the ball fewer times this year as he runs the read more effectively and more importantly, throws the ball more. Tate Forcier will lead in passing yards as he is still the go-to guy in situations where we can't just rely on throwing the ball. Roy Roundtree will lead in receiving yards as he rack up a ton of receptions again this year. And Jordan Kovacs will lead in tackles this year, following up on his productive first season.

Shredder: .Rushing I will go out on the limb and say Mike Cox, no other reason than he is the complete back. Passing Tatnard.... Roundtree picks up where he left off. Tackles.... Moundros!!!

Dark Blue: Rushing will be Denard. Passing will be Tate. Receiving will be Stonum and tackles will be that super sweet sex machine JORDAN FUCKING KOVACS.

4. How many total yards do we give up to the Huskies?

SCS100: 400+ (I'll say 413)

Hulk: 280 (220 passing, 60 rushing)

Seth9: We will give up 350. About 150 on the ground and 200 through the air. I imagine we'll give up a ton of yards to most teams this year, but we at least match up fairly well against UConn's run-first offense.

Shredder: hmmmmm 345 yards.

Dark Blue: 290. About 220 passing, but we shut down UConn’s run game.

5.Since RR has owned Edsall, if given the chance, will he run up the score?

SCS100: I doubt he'll intentionally run up the score. The only two games I see that happening are Purdue and Michigan State, for obvious reasons.

Hulk: Not sure what you mean by this question. I think both coaches are pretty classy guys that know nothing good can come by running up the score. Now if we were talking about Douche Hope or Dantonio, Hang 80 on 'em.

Seth9: No.

Shredder: No way he runs up the score. He has no reason to. Also Uconn has go through a lot and thats the last thing Rod would do. I don't think he would even get a chance to since it's gonna be a close game.

Dark Blue: After all the shit he’s been through since he came to Ann Arbor I don’t think RR will run the score up. I however do think UConn is down by a couple of scores at the end of the first quarter and it may get ugly quick.

6. If by some miracle we lose this game, how will you cope?

SCS100: I'll live knowing it was a decent opponent. Oh, and I'll probably go get extremely drunk.

Hulk: Large quantities of alcohol. And Strippers. And Blow.

Seth9: I won't.

Shredder: Hold out for a ND win. How we lose is important also. Blow out... You won't see me until Friday. Close but just unlucky.. Maybe Wednesday.

Dark Blue: I will spend a week hiding, since I have made all of these boisterous predications for Michigan football this year.  

7. Final Score (yet again)?

SCS100: 38-21 Michigan

Hulk: 31- 20 Michigan.

Seth9: Michigan 34, UConn 30. Our offense will carry us.

Shredder: UM 31 UCONN 27

Dark Blue: MICH 42-17. Suck on dat Huskies

8.Closing Thoughts?

SCS100: Nope. Hope everyone enjoys the game on Saturday, weather looks good.

Shredder: Yes I hope Marshall wins tonight and If Nard gets the read option down than it will be lights out for UCONN but this team could easily beat us if we TO the ball over and make tackling mistakes. It should be close. UCONN is the trendy pick right now so us vs the world boys. Michigan is about to start the greatest comeback of it's history... as Kevin Harlan would say so.... BUCKLE UP!!

Seth9: This is an absolutely critical season for Rodriguez and this batch of Wolverines. If we fail to make a bowl and achieve a winning record, there's a strong chance that we'll have a new coach and a conventional offense next season. This team has a lot of weaknesses, but a lot of strengths too and our success is going to result from how well our coaches utilize our strengths and mask our weaknesses.

Dark Blue: I was talking with my Dad recently and the conversations turned to Bo’s 1980 Rose Bowl winning team. How many of you know that that team did not have a returning starter in the secondary? Nobody knew anything about them, and they turned out to be pretty damned good. I think our secondary will be fine. GO BLUE