Most Likely Season to Win Next Title?

[Wolverine1997]

Fair enough, and the way you guys are going, by 2012 or 2014 you guys should be out from under the NCAA's wrath with Jim Harbaugh as your coach and a .500 record will be seen as 'up-and-coming'.

As much as I would LOVE to have a Michigan man back coaching Michigan, I don't want another 5-7 bowl-less season

Many people on UMGoBlue are saying 6-6 season and he'll be out. Which is really what I think would happen. If the pieces fall into place and the defense isn't as horrible with this new 3-3-5, Michigan will be in a bowl, probably against a MAC school in the Pizza Bowl, RR would be let go and Harbaugh would most likely leave Stanford to coach Michigan.

 

[NDinL.A.]

As much as I would LOVE to have a Michigan man back coaching Michigan, I don't want another 5-7 bowl-less season

Many people on UMGoBlue are saying 6-6 season and he'll be out. Which is really what I think would happen. If the pieces fall into place and the defense isn't as horrible with this new 3-3-5, Michigan will be in a bowl, probably against a MAC school in the Pizza Bowl, RR would be let go and Harbaugh would most likely leave Stanford to coach Michigan.

Very fair assessment. I was one of those that thought Rod would be good at UM, and IMO he's been a disaster. What I truly didn't like was him going on interviews on ESPN blaming everyone else but himself (from the fans to the players to the media, etc) for your problems. I thought he should have manned up and looked in the mirror and taken the heat, regardless of whose 'fault' it was.

The crazy thing is, you guys can go anywhere from 3-9 to 9-3, if things fall into place or fall apart. You;re in a state of unknown for many reasons. ND is the same state of fluidity, albeit for different reasons. As fans, sure, you'll see us picking 10-11 wins, because, well, we're crazy fans. But you'll also see many ND fans saying 7-8 wins is VERY realistic.

Anyway, I'm from LA so my hatred is saved for USC, but you'll find a lot of people here HATE Michigan. I think it's better for the rivalry when both are good, but I must admit, after you guys beat us last year (I will forever think the refs raped us that game, but I digress), and Tate the Great, who I thought was way overrated going into the game, went into beast mode and destroyed our weak defense, I was really hoping for you guys to lose every game and for Tate to look bad in doing so. Yes, I'm still bitter about that damn loss! And strangely, you guys fell apart and Tate really fell apart.

Can Sept 4th just please get here!!!

 

[swmichND]

First post for me, exciting! There were quite a few similarities in us and UM the last few years, although that's hard for me to admit. We both had legitimate reason for optimism, and both fell flat on our faces. We also both have reason to believe this season will be the launching point for better things. Between Longo tailoring these players' bodies to the style of Kelly's play, and Kelly himself, we're going to build something special. If UM can finally figure out their defense and have some continuity with a D coordinator, this rivalry will hopefully become nationally relevant again soon.

I agree on last year's game though. Awful, awful feeling (as well as officiating)

 

[Wolverine1997]

Very fair assessment. I was one of those that thought Rod would be good at UM, and IMO he's been a disaster. What I truly didn't like was him going on interviews on ESPN blaming everyone else but himself (from the fans to the players to the media, etc) for your problems. I thought he should have manned up and looked in the mirror and taken the heat, regardless of whose 'fault' it was.

The crazy thing is, you guys can go anywhere from 3-9 to 9-3, if things fall into place or fall apart. You;re in a state of unknown for many reasons. ND is the same state of fluidity, albeit for different reasons. As fans, sure, you'll see us picking 10-11 wins, because, well, we're crazy fans. But you'll also see many ND fans saying 7-8 wins is VERY realistic.

Anyway, I'm from LA so my hatred is saved for USC, but you'll find a lot of people here HATE Michigan. I think it's better for the rivalry when both are good, but I must admit, after you guys beat us last year (I will forever think the refs raped us that game, but I digress), and Tate the Great, who I thought was way overrated going into the game, went into beast mode and destroyed our weak defense, I was really hoping for you guys to lose every game and for Tate to look bad in doing so. Yes, I'm still bitter about that damn loss! And strangely, you guys fell apart and Tate really fell apart.

Can Sept 4th just please get here!!!

The thing was, when everyone was getting all high and mighty around here in Michigan when Tate was looking great, I always reminded everyone he was excelling against MAC schools, a vulnerable ND team and a piss-poor Big Ten team which we were in a shootout with.

I think Shoelace (Robinson), will be the starter because he has really come a long way from September 09 and the Spring game passing-wise. But, who knows? I really think Devin Gardner is the real deal and could be a deadly weapon in the future.

The thing that pisses me off is that, once again, for the THIRD year, we don't have a definite starter. 2 QB systems rarely work as you can tell by UM's 8-16 record since RR has entered.

Is Kelly's offense more of a pass-happy spread or a spread option offense?

 

[NDPhilly]

The thing was, when everyone was getting all high and mighty around here in Michigan when Tate was looking great, I always reminded everyone he was excelling against MAC schools, a vulnerable ND team and a piss-poor Big Ten team which we were in a shootout with.

I think Shoelace (Robinson), will be the starter because he has really come a long way from September 09 and the Spring game passing-wise. But, who knows? I really think Devin Gardner is the real deal and could be a deadly weapon in the future.

The thing that pisses me off is that, once again, for the THIRD year, we don't have a definite starter. 2 QB systems rarely work as you can tell by UM's 8-16 record since RR has entered.

Is Kelly's offense more of a pass-happy spread or a spread option offense?

Definetly more of a Pass Happy spread. He also uses the no huddle with it.

 

[swmichND]

I think what I love most about the way Kelly's offenses operate is the use of counters and misdirection run plays. If our passing game is on point like it should be and our backs can find space on those counter plays, look out!

 

[NDinL.A.]

Is Kelly's offense more of a pass-happy spread or a spread option offense?

It's a lot different than your spread, in which the QB HAS to be a good runner and be able to run the option-read. Kelly's offense is more pass happy, yes, but their RBs also get the ball a lot and in fact averaged more yds per carry and more yards overall last year than ND's RBs did. So depending on the situation, Kelly will definitely run the ball if need be.

Yeah, Robinson, when he has the ball in his hands, is electric. I saw the spring game, and was shocked at how many passes he was completing in comparison to how he threw the ball in limited time last year. He still, IMO, has a ways to go, but props to him for getting better.

swmichnd: Welcome aboard!!!

 

[Wolverine1997]

Definetly more of a Pass Happy spread. He also uses the no huddle with it.

Definetly more of a Pass Happy spread. He also uses the no huddle with it.

You guys return your 2 key skill position players in Michael Floyd and Armando Allen which benefits good. I just can't see Notre Dame winning 7-8 games this season Here are my predictions


Purdue- This game could either way because sometimes Purdue has their games where they play pretty solid against Ohio State and Michigan. But they also have their games where their team doesn't show up at all like when they got pounded vs Wisky 37-0. It really depends how they play but I'd say a loss.

Michigan- You guys have a good defense and return good players that are upperclassmen but they didn't handle the #1 offense in the Big Ten too well. Michigan's defense is really scaring me this season but I think it should contain the transitioning ND offense. It'll be close but I think Mich pulls away late in the game- L

At Mich St- As much as I would love to see ND smash MSU just to shut little brother up, in truth they return a good secondary. Their offense isn't anything special though so I think this could be a toss up. I would lean more towards MSU because it's at home for them but ND beats them on the road. I'm going to say a close loss.

Stanford- Stanford returns their QB from last season but they're gonna be back to the usual Stanford this season without Toby Gerhart. Good win for ND, Kelly to put them at 1-3.

At BC- BC's defense is hurting this season losing key 5th year seniors but they still have Mark Herzlich who is now cancer free. This one is a toss up a game but because it is in BC so I would say a close close loss. 1-4

Pitt- Pitt I think this season will be overrated and ND will win this one good. It will show people that Mark May's beloved Panthers are exposed. ND should win this "upset" by 2 scores. 2-4

Western Mich- I remember last season numerous writers in the local papers in Detroit were picking WMU to beat Michigan good. Yeah right, 31-7. Their best player in QB Hiller is gone so no worries at all for ND. Blowout win. 3-4

Navy (in E.Ruth)- Navy returns an All-Senior secondary and still rocks the triple-option with QB Ricky Dobbs who nearly stunned OSU on opening weekend last season. I think ND loses this one very close, but this will be the last year you lose to the service academies. 3-5

Tulsa- The Golden Hurricane got bitch-slapped by a hurting 7-5 OU team last season. Tulsa returns a somewhat decent receiving core. But I don't see ND losing. Blowout win. 4-5

Utah- This Utah team is still dangerous even though losing key players that smoked Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. DO NOT take them lightly. I say this is a toss up that goes into overtime. It'll be a low scoring game but I say Utah wins. 4-6

Army (Yankee Stadium)- Not much to say here. Good solid win for ND. This will make the USC game a do or die affair being one win from bowl eligibility. 5-6

At USC- USC will be fired up for this game even though..it means absolutely nothing to their rankings and bowl projection but simply a pride game. This game will be a close one like last years. The winner of this game will be simply who wants it more. I think USC will pull away later in this close game and win it. 5-7

 

[Wolverine1997]

Oh, and you spelled it wrong under my name. It's Cissoko

 

[phork]

Oh, and you spelled it wrong under my name. It's Cissoko

Either way you spell it, it still sounds like Jail Time. The defense is going to be the undoing of RichRod this year.

 

[Wolverine1997]

Either way you spell it, it still sounds like Jail Time. The defense is going to be the undoing of RichRod this year.

Cissoko was benched after the EMU game because he gave up two EASY passing touchdowns and missed a touchdown saving tackle to an 0-12 team. It was 24-17 Mich at halftime so I'm not exactly heartbroken to see him go.

 

[tankjeep]

Usually by year 3 coaches are able to infuse some of their recruits and really have a grasp on the team so i say Dayne's senior year. If Kelly is the coach every one expects he should maximize the talent that is already on the team, add depth and coach them up

i agree wholeheartedly. the talents there and should be coming in future recruited classes, so let's see what kelly does with 'em.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

2012 we will be scheduled to play in the BCS National Championship Game, but then the world will end!!!!!1!!!!!!one!!!!!!!uno!!1!!!11

 

[Riddickulous]

2012 we will be scheduled to play in the BCS National Championship Game, but then the world will end!!!!!1!!!!!!one!!!!!!!uno!!1!!!11

The world will not end, there will just be a massive spiritual shift in thinking.

 

[IrishLax]

I don't like our chances in 2012 or 2013 with Oklahoma on the schedule. I say 2014 if we don't get one in 2011. Realistically, we could be pretty competitive this year IF our offense plays well. I think without question our defense will be much improved.