All Things SkunkBear

[ACamp1900]

l.
o.
l.

at the playoff talk... I mean, just wow.

 

[ulukinatme]

I don't think they make the playoffs. Maybe they upset Urban and the Buckeyes, but that game is still pretty far off. I think they'll drop one more at least in the regular season. They've still got Northwestern, MSU, tOSU, and PSU. They'll be favored in some of those games, but not all.

 

[Irish Insanity]

^they also play at Minnesota

 

[phork]

My gut feeling is that MSU is playing a little rope a dope. MSUs corners are not BYUs corners. Rudock is in for a Rudockwakening.

 

[NDdomer2]

 

[Bogtrotter07]

yes it was shared because one coach (widely believed to be Phil Fulmer) voted Michigan 4th and two other coaches voted Michigan 3rd in the final poll, which allowed Nebraska to leap frog Michigan to #1. If those coaches just vote Michigan #2, Michigan would've won the coaches poll as well.

Kind of makes up for the year ND won the NC at the end of the season, which was customary until the '60's, and the Detroit sports writers got a vote after the bowl games, which ND didn't participate in (then) to re-vote (for the first time) and pushed to have Michigan crowned on the basis that they beat Southern Cal by a greater point total!

Which is the only other time since the '30's when the AP and UPI standardized national voting for a National Champ.

Modern era = (UM '48, and '97.) Neither consensus!

 

[ThePiombino]

If MSU loses to these turds, I'll eat my hat. Hell, I'll eat your hats. Not a chance for UM. Not a one.

 

[Section20Row27]

Everyone knows that BYU is trash and should be 0-4, right? RIGHT?

Correct. BYU should not have even been ranked after losing to UCLA - they lost even with 3 UCLA turnovers...and UCLA is not as good as their ranking.

 

[rocket66]

If MSU loses to these turds, I'll eat my hat. Hell, I'll eat your hats. Not a chance for UM. Not a one.

I think they beat MSU in the big house actually.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[connor_in]

If MSU loses to these turds, I'll eat my hat. Hell, I'll eat your hats. Not a chance for UM. Not a one.

but...but...but...Utah barely, luckily, by the skin of their teeth and with help from the officials eeked out a win at home against the Mighty Wolverines....and Utah utterly killed the Oregon Ducks, a team the Sparty barely, luckily, by the skin of their teeth and with help from the officials eeked out a win at home against. Thus meaning that OBVIOUSLY the Mighty Wolverines of the great state of Michigan (aka THE University of Michigan) should easily crush lil' brother Sparty walking away and eventually win the Natty for 10 consecutive years ... or so

 

[Bogtrotter07]

but...but...but...Utah barely, luckily, by the skin of their teeth and with help from the officials eeked out a win at home against the Mighty Wolverines....and Utah utterly killed the Oregon Ducks, a team the Sparty barely, luckily, by the skin of their teeth and with help from the officials eeked out a win at home against. Thus meaning that OBVIOUSLY the Mighty Wolverines of the great state of Michigan (aka THE University of Michigan) should easily crush lil' brother Sparty walking away and eventually win the Natty for 10 consecutive years ... or so

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U_eZmEiyTo0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[connor_in]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U_eZmEiyTo0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Just for the record...I have NEVER started a land war in Asia

 

[TomHaverford]

My gut feeling is that MSU is playing a little rope a dope. MSUs corners are not BYUs corners. Rudock is in for a Rudockwakening.

I don't think it's so much a rope a dope thing. Dantonio's teams consistently get better as the year goes on, so they will definitely improve. However, I think there are a few factors at play for MSU.

One they lost Pat Narduzzi, who was maybe the very best defensive co-ordinator in all of college football. I know it's only the first 1/3 of this season, but Narduzzi has Pitt in the top 20 in defense already.

Two they are dealing with injuries. They lost their best LB in Ed Davis and probably their best CB from a talent standpoint at least in Vayante Copeland for the year. Take away any teams best LB and CB for the year, that will hurt. No doubt that's an improved defense with those two in that line-up.

Three they aren't Alabama or LSU. They don't reload with 5* CB's and LB's. As well coached as they are, it's tough finding the 2* and 3* needles in the haystacks that are NFL players like Trae Waynes and Darqueze Dennard. That just isn't going to happen every single class. That's two 1st round CB's starting together on those top flight defenses over the last 4-5 years gone. Hard for any school to just replace that. Harder for one that doesn't load up on 5*'s every single class like Alabama or LSU.

 

[phork]

I don't think it's so much a rope a dope thing. Dantonio's teams consistently get better as the year goes on, so they will definitely improve. However, I think there are a few factors at play for MSU.

One they lost Pat Narduzzi, who was maybe the very best defensive co-ordinator in all of college football. I know it's only the first 1/3 of this season, but Narduzzi has Pitt in the top 20 in defense already.

Two they are dealing with injuries. They lost their best LB in Ed Davis and probably their best CB from a talent standpoint at least in Vayante Copeland for the year. Take away any teams best LB and CB for the year, that will hurt. No doubt that's an improved defense with those two in that line-up.

Three they aren't Alabama or LSU. They don't reload with 5* CB's and LB's. As well coached as they are, it's tough finding the 2* and 3* needles in the haystacks that are NFL players like Trae Waynes and Darqueze Dennard. That just isn't going to happen every single class. That's two 1st round CB's starting together on those top flight defenses over the last 4-5 years gone. Hard for any school to just replace that. Harder for one that doesn't load up on 5*'s every single class like Alabama or LSU.

Thats the point of Dantonio and MSU. They don't need 5* guys, I think his track record shows the drop off isn't far after losing 1st round NFL draft picks.

Pitt has also played YoungstownSt, Akron and Iowa. Not a murderers row of talent there. Its almost like the smoke and mirrors Michigan has. Beat by Utah, beat UNLV, beat OSU and beat a battered BYU team.

 

[condoms SUCk]

Washington Post thinks Michigan might make the playoffs. This year. | mgoblog

MAKE IT STOP

to be fair......(yes, I know, shut your mouth Koon) a good majority of scUM fans think the playoff talk is ridiculous. Most of them realize that A LOT of pieces would have to fall into place for them, and most realize that will NOT happen.

Lord I hope Minnesota, IU, MSU and OSU skull crush them.

 

[phork]

to be fair......(yes, I know, shut your mouth Koon) a good majority of scUM fans think the playoff talk is ridiculous. Most of them realize that A LOT of pieces would have to fall into place for them, and most realize that will NOT happen.

Lord I hope Minnesota, IU, MSU and OSU skull crush them.

MGoblog says otherwise. They are fully on board with beating MSU and more than likely OSU because both are at the big house.

 

[TomHaverford]

MGoblog says otherwise. They are fully on board with beating MSU and more than likely OSU because both are at the big house.

Who says that on Mgoblog? A few fans on one of the forums?

I don't think Brian or any of the writers have suggested that. They all seem to think Michigan will be held back by Rudock. Which is exactly what I think.

Rudock is terrible. He was mediocre against BYU and that was considered a good game for him. I'll take mediocre from him though here on out and not complain once, because his bad is BAD.

The offensive line is coming together, Drevno is a real coach. I like DeVeon Smith even if he has no vision, he's a tough guy to tackle. Darboh and Butt are nice options in the pass game. Chesson once against got wide open deep against BYU, would've been a 75 yard TD pass at least, he smoked the DB, Rudock either doesn't see or have confidence to attempt a deep throw to a WR wide open by 10 yards, so he checks it down to FB/TE Henry Poggi for 2 yards.

Yeah, like I said, Rudock stinks and he'll keep the passing game bogged down by not hitting big plays when the opportunities are there which in turn will make the defense creep up and put extra defenders in the box to slow down the run.

I think most Michigan fans know playoffs ain't happening. Haven't seen many think it will. Most Michigan fans seem to have a distaste for Rudock as well. That's well deserved I might add. After the disaster that Gardner was last year, I'll take this Rudock fella though and not complain.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Neither scUM or Sparty are that good IMO. Central Michigan and Air Force gave them all they could handle, and Air Force had to shoot themselves in the football a dozen times for MSU to run away with it for a 35-21 win. That game could've easily been much closer. Oregon's their only significant win, and as we've witnessed, this is BY FAR the worst Oregon team since 2007 post-Dixon injury. I don't see them winning more than 6 or 7 games this year. Their defense is ATROCIOUS and their offense is a scattered mess.

As for scUM, basically what's already been stated. Oregon St and UNLV suck monkey balls. BYU is okay, but they've basically spent all they had in their previous 3 games and were playing a backup QB.

 

[TomHaverford]

Michigan defense beat down Maryland's offense but that was to be expected.

Drake Johnson had a good game at RB. Once again, Jake Rudock sucked something fierce, kept the game way closer than it should've been in the first half.

 

[calvegas04]

Michigan defense beat down Maryland's offense but that was to be expected.

Drake Johnson had a good game at RB. Once again, Jake Rudock sucked something fierce, kept the game way closer than it should've been in the first half.

maryland is terrible just like the Big 10, congrats on your win

 

[NDPhilly]

Maryland gonna go 2-10. They are absolutely terrible.

 

[woolybug25]

Michigan defense beat down Maryland's offense but that was to be expected.

Drake Johnson had a good game at RB. Once again, Jake Rudock sucked something fierce, kept the game way closer than it should've been in the first half.

Maryland is a horrid football team. Why are you posting here? Do you not post on scUM boards?

 

[NDgradstudent]

maryland is terrible just like the Big 10, congrats on your win

Edsall should have stayed at UConn.

 

[irishfan]

So, I don't know if people like the ESPN FPI poll and projections, but...

They give Michigan a 63.3% chance of beating MSU next week. This is with a 72.7% chance of winning against Northwestern this weekend. They're going to be well into the Top 10 in the polls if they can win those two games.

Also a 43.3% chance of beating OSU to end the season.

They give them an 18.4% of winning the B1G which is just incredible. They've given up 14 points the last 4 weeks with 3 of those games against Power-5 programs. Harbaugh is pretty good sadly.

 

[ulukinatme]

I don't think there was any question that they had some talent on that team based on Hoke's recruiting, they just needed coached up. I wouldn't say they're great yet though. Offensively they're still not world beaters, but they don't have to be with that defense. Mattison is still a phenomenal DC and they've been playing inspired on that side of the ball. Is a shutout of Maryland impressive? Not really by itself, but a shutout is still a shutout, so I'll give them credit. They did take it to BYU, that was more impressive.

The real question will be how they'll fare against better defenses. If their offense gets shut down repeatedly their defense will tire in the 2nd half of games and they'll give up points. The game against Northwestern may be a good test to see if the Michigan offense can execute when they need to. If they can't execute, and Northwestern also struggles offensively, it could end up being a stalemate until the first defense tires or one team catches a lucky break. I'm guessing Michigan pulls it out with the talent advantage.

 

[irishfan]

I don't think there was any question that they had some talent on that team based on Hoke's recruiting, they just needed coached up. I wouldn't say they're great yet though. Offensively they're still not world beaters, but they don't have to be with that defense. Mattison is still a phenomenal DC and they've been playing inspired on that side of the ball. Is a shutout of Maryland impressive? Not really by itself, but a shutout is still a shutout, so I'll give them credit. They did take it to BYU, that was more impressive.

The real question will be how they'll fare against better defenses. If their offense gets shut down repeatedly their defense will tire in the 2nd half of games and they'll give up points. The game against Northwestern may be a good test to see if the Michigan offense can execute when they need to. If they can't execute, and Northwestern also struggles offensively, it could end up being a stalemate until the first defense tires or one team catches a lucky break. I'm guessing Michigan pulls it out with the talent advantage.

I agree that they'll struggle against top defenses for sure. They remind me a bit of MSU when Dantonio first showed up where they can take it to the little guys in the B1G but seem like they struggle to move it in big games. I also do think they beat Northwestern in a close, ugly game and then the hype will be huge next week for MSU/UM where I assume Gameday will be. MSU has looked crappy this year IMO. If Michigan can slip by them at home, the Harbaugh Hype is going to be crazy since they'd be on a very easy path to 10-1 and hosting OSU to end the season (and probably be playing for a playoff spot--very early but could be a Malzahn Year 1 at Auburn type of turnaround).

 

[phork]

So, I don't know if people like the ESPN FPI poll and projections, but...

They give Michigan a 63.3% chance of beating MSU next week. This is with a 72.7% chance of winning against Northwestern this weekend. They're going to be well into the Top 10 in the polls if they can win those two games.

Also a 43.3% chance of beating OSU to end the season.

They give them an 18.4% of winning the B1G which is just incredible. They've given up 14 points the last 4 weeks with 3 of those games against Power-5 programs. Harbaugh is pretty good sadly.

There was never a question about Harbaugh's resume.

But they beat UNLV, OregonSt, a beaten down BYU team and the tire fire that is Maryland. I would expect nothing less.

I also expect that Dantonio and Urbz are on cruise control. Besides the Purdue debacle they've ass hammered their other competition. And don't bring up the scores of the MSU games either. They were beating WMU 37-10 at one point and AirForce 35-7. The defenses haven't been typical calls this year but when they needed to shut it down they have.

As for OSU. Let Elliott run.

I still expect them to be 9-3 at the end of the year with the Utah loss and BYU wins not looking anywhere near as good as first though. I don't think Ruddok is ready for prime time and if they actually had a real QB they would be dangerous.

 

[irishfan]

There was never a question about Harbaugh's resume.

But they beat UNLV, OregonSt, a beaten down BYU team and the tire fire that is Maryland. I would expect nothing less.

I also expect that Dantonio and Urbz are on cruise control. Besides the Purdue debacle they've ass hammered their other competition. And don't bring up the scores of the MSU games either. They were beating WMU 37-10 at one point and AirForce 35-7. The defenses haven't been typical calls this year but when they needed to shut it down they have.

As for OSU. Let Elliott run.

I still expect them to be 9-3 at the end of the year with the Utah loss and BYU wins not looking anywhere near as good as first though. I don't think Ruddok is ready for prime time and if they actually had a real QB they would be dangerous.

I agree with 9-3. But I also think they will give MSU and OSU all they can handle and then some. And 9-3 with 3 close and impressive losses is a lot better than what people thought coming into this season. They aren't just handling the below-average opponents, they are beating them down.

 

[IrishLion]

There was never a question about Harbaugh's resume.

But they beat UNLV, OregonSt, a beaten down BYU team and the tire fire that is Maryland. I would expect nothing less.

I also expect that Dantonio and Urbz are on cruise control. Besides the Purdue debacle they've ass hammered their other competition. And don't bring up the scores of the MSU games either. They were beating WMU 37-10 at one point and AirForce 35-7. The defenses haven't been typical calls this year but when they needed to shut it down they have.

As for OSU. Let Elliott run.

I still expect them to be 9-3 at the end of the year with the Utah loss and BYU wins not looking anywhere near as good as first though. I don't think Ruddok is ready for prime time and if they actually had a real QB they would be dangerous.

Unless you meant just in terms of MSU, Ohio State hasn't ass-hammered anybody aside from *maybe* Hawaii, and I don't know if I'd consider that an ass-hammering with the way they played in the first half.

OSU might be on cruise control... but if that's the case, then it's been a terrible decision, because their QB position is currently out of whack and their defensive front hasn't been productive in a pass rush as much as they should.

 

[JSBusch]

Living in Michigan as an ND fan has been increasingly difficult this year.. All these Walmart Wolverines coming out of the woodwork because the glory days are here. Then you have the Sparty fans who used to be so much fun to party with who have taken on the cocky, condescending role in the state. With both of them flaunting their record and future and ND losing to Clemson this weekend I've had to control myself not to break someone's face.

At any rate.. on to Navy. Need a convincing win to shut these slappy's up.