Sep 22 | Michigan

[caligold]

Michigan has played one good team and got embarrassed, one lower-end non-BCS FBS team and almost lost, and one quasi-FCS team and won comfortably. Are we better than Air Force? I sure hope so.

If we don't have a multitude of crazy mistakes/turnovers and the Big Ten refs don't screw us it is extremely hard to imagine Michigan holding us under ~21 points. We got 20 against Purdue and MSU... two teams with quite a few NFL caliber players... and Michigan's is simply worse man for man than either of those two teams. Their DL is nowhere near MSU/Purdue... their LBs are nowhere near MSU.... their CBs are nowhere near Purdue... only at safety are they even comparable to the other teams we've played. So it's very hard to conceive of scenarios where we don't employ a very balanced attack with a lot of success without horrible luck, mental errors, or bad calls.

So the real question becomes.... can we stifle Michigan? Can our young secondary hold up against the multitude of "broken" plays Michigan will run? Can we limit big plays? I'm not sure. Michigan has 3 WRs that are worlds better in terms of physical talent than any team we've faced so far. Gardner is inexperienced but a big, talented athlete. Gallon is fast. Roundtree is quick and experienced. So what happens when Denard buys 4-5 seconds with his legs and throws a floater downfield? I'm not sure.

If I had to predict right now I'd say ND 31 Michigan 28.

Bam Lax! It's all about Denard breaking the pocket and creating something out of nothing. I could see our young corners coming up to tackle him once he breaks contain and then he "pops" a pass over their head for a big chunk play. Outside of that I believe our D is talented enough and well coached to stifle Michigan's O.

 

[NDinFL]

35-17 Notre Dame

 

[woolybug25]

I'm not overlooking scUM. I expect to win, but this game always has a funny way of taking an unexpected route.

 

[RDU Irish]

I'm not overlooking scUM. I expect to win, but this game always has a funny way of taking an unexpected route.

So if we are to expect the unexpected, I am supposed to expect to lose? I have a hard time doing that.

 

[]\/[GoBlue]

Michigan has played one good team and got embarrassed, one lower-end non-BCS FBS team and almost lost, and one quasi-FCS team and won comfortably. Are we better than Air Force? I sure hope so.

If we don't have a multitude of crazy mistakes/turnovers and the Big Ten refs don't screw us it is extremely hard to imagine Michigan holding us under ~21 points. We got 20 against Purdue and MSU... two teams with quite a few NFL caliber players... and Michigan's is simply worse man for man than either of those two teams. Their DL is nowhere near MSU/Purdue... their LBs are nowhere near MSU.... their CBs are nowhere near Purdue... only at safety are they even comparable to the other teams we've played. So it's very hard to conceive of scenarios where we don't employ a very balanced attack with a lot of success without horrible luck, mental errors, or bad calls.

So the real question becomes.... can we stifle Michigan? Can our young secondary hold up against the multitude of "broken" plays Michigan will run? Can we limit big plays? I'm not sure. Michigan has 3 WRs that are worlds better in terms of physical talent than any team we've faced so far. Gardner is inexperienced but a big, talented athlete. Gallon is fast. Roundtree is quick and experienced. So what happens when Denard buys 4-5 seconds with his legs and throws a floater downfield? I'm not sure.

If I had to predict right now I'd say ND 31 Michigan 28.

Your comment about the lack of NFL talent vs. Purdue is false, but your points look on par with what I'm thinking (obviously I'm biased to Michigan so I'm thinking the opposite)I will say that I predicted the struggles with Air Force, coming off a overwhelming challenge like 'Bama and going straight into a well run triple option team is just asking for pain.

And honestly it's difficult to gauge how good or bad Michigan is right now. You basically have to throw out both UMass and 'Bama because both are at the opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of good football, 'Bama has crushed everything and UMass is just awful. And even the Air Force game is tough to use as a measuring stick.

I will say that Michigan's run D is not what it was, so ND should be able to move the ball effectively on the ground. But again, due to poor litmus tests I couldn't judge how M will do vs. ND throwing. I'm fairly certain ND is better than UMass and AF throwing the football, but your O-line is nothing compared to 'Bama's. This will, imo, be Michigan's first legitimate test to gauge how the rest of the season will go.

Good luck to you and your team and I hope there are no serious injuries.

 

[RDU Irish]

Blue - Lucky for you the B1G sucks this year overall, no premier teams all very beatable. Regardless of the outcome this weekend Michigan should feel pretty good about their B1G chances with full month to Michigan State and OSU is last game of the year. Lots of back doors to the BCS for you.

 

[woolybug25]

So if we are to expect the unexpected, I am supposed to expect to lose? I have a hard time doing that.

What? No, I meant that something always becomes strange in this game. Whether that be a weird play that falls to one team's advantage, a hurt player or having your QB go temporarily blind for no reason whatsoever. SOMETHING strange will happen in the game, count on it.

Never expect to lose... never...

 

[Emcee77]

Michigan has played one good team and got embarrassed, one lower-end non-BCS FBS team and almost lost, and one quasi-FCS team and won comfortably. Are we better than Air Force? I sure hope so.

If we don't have a multitude of crazy mistakes/turnovers and the Big Ten refs don't screw us it is extremely hard to imagine Michigan holding us under ~21 points. We got 20 against Purdue and MSU... two teams with quite a few NFL caliber players... and Michigan's is simply worse man for man than either of those two teams. Their DL is nowhere near MSU/Purdue... their LBs are nowhere near MSU.... their CBs are nowhere near Purdue... only at safety are they even comparable to the other teams we've played. So it's very hard to conceive of scenarios where we don't employ a very balanced attack with a lot of success without horrible luck, mental errors, or bad calls.

So the real question becomes.... can we stifle Michigan? Can our young secondary hold up against the multitude of "broken" plays Michigan will run? Can we limit big plays? I'm not sure. Michigan has 3 WRs that are worlds better in terms of physical talent than any team we've faced so far. Gardner is inexperienced but a big, talented athlete. Gallon is fast. Roundtree is quick and experienced. So what happens when Denard buys 4-5 seconds with his legs and throws a floater downfield? I'm not sure.

If I had to predict right now I'd say ND 31 Michigan 28.

I agree that the bolded is what this game will turn on. I'm confident we can limit Denard's running, but doing so will require our DBs to knock down the jump balls that Denard will throw up. Alabama was able to do that. In 2011 we were not. But we have some really fast, athletic DBs who better equipped to make those plays. Remember Russell making that touchdown saving deflection in the first half of the MSU game on Saturday? Those are the kinds of plays our DBs will have to make. We'll see on Saturday but right now I feel confident that we can make those plays.

 

[Emcee77]

Makes sense. Probably would want to run a spy with a faster player than Manti though. Maybe a nickel/star Shumate fills that role or have Farley stay closer to the line.

I think Shumate will play a lot against Michigan. He may be an every-down player.

 

[Irishman77]

Vegas says we are -6.5. I say we Cover big time and this becomes a statement game. Notre dame 38 Michigan 7. Go Irish!

 

[Riddickulous]

I dont know if this has been mentioned today, but Mike Snyder of Detroit Free Press writes that scUM allowed 111 rushing yards against UMass (they're IA now, apparently), which had only gained in the 80s for the first two games.

Denard can't make big plays if we keep him on the sidelines...

They won by 50. It's not inconceivable that UMass racked up some of that yardage on Michigan's second stringers.

 

[BobD]

All I know is, I better be able to see and hear the stadium rocking on Saturday night or I'm gonna send a team of little girls there to kick everyones @ss!

 

[woolybug25]

They won by 50. It's not inconceivable that UMass racked up some of that yardage on Michigan's second stringers.

It's not inconceivable, but it is untrue. For those that didn't, you can look at the play by play here:
Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Michigan Wolverines - Play By Play - September 15, 2012 - ESPN

I watched the game and Cox played well all game. Even on broken plays he would get to the outside and make something out of nothing. I said it before, and i'll say it again, we should be able to line up and simply run the ball all game. Their Dline is as poor as I have seen it in a long time.

 

[k1ssme1m1r1sh]

Your comment about the lack of NFL talent vs. Purdue is false, but your points look on par with what I'm thinking (obviously I'm biased to Michigan so I'm thinking the opposite)I will say that I predicted the struggles with Air Force, coming off a overwhelming challenge like 'Bama and going straight into a well run triple option team is just asking for pain.

And honestly it's difficult to gauge how good or bad Michigan is right now. You basically have to throw out both UMass and 'Bama because both are at the opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of good football, 'Bama has crushed everything and UMass is just awful. And even the Air Force game is tough to use as a measuring stick.

I will say that Michigan's run D is not what it was, so ND should be able to move the ball effectively on the ground. But again, due to poor litmus tests I couldn't judge how M will do vs. ND throwing. I'm fairly certain ND is better than UMass and AF throwing the football, but your O-line is nothing compared to 'Bama's. This will, imo, be Michigan's first legitimate test to gauge how the rest of the season will go.

Good luck to you and your team and I hope there are no serious injuries.

Really? That's funny. When ND plays Air Force, Michigan sure has no problem pointing out how short that stick is, and how we are subpar to anyone in the NCAA for playing them. Also, I'm a little tired of the Bama beats on everyone logic as to why Michigan lost that game. For being the defending sugar bowl champs and #8 team in the country coming off an 11-2 season for 2011, it was never an unrealistic expectation to think Michigan could have given them a competitive game. Would they have won? No. But to be tossed around like a rag doll in a pit bull's mouth was just flat out exposure of the many flaws in the BCS system, and Michigan's lack of skill. Michigan was mediocre last year, they are mediocre this year, and so was ND, but ND has improved in several areas. I have yet to see Michigan improved in anything other than hoping Denard can save their hind ends in every game. If he doesn't bend over and tie his damn shoes, he's going to break an ankle running all over the field in his sock. I just am baffled at the total double standards Michigan fans have for their team. That's all. ND will win this one.

 

[IrishLax]

Your comment about the lack of NFL talent vs. Purdue is false, but your points look on par with what I'm thinking (obviously I'm biased to Michigan so I'm thinking the opposite)I will say that I predicted the struggles with Air Force, coming off a overwhelming challenge like 'Bama and going straight into a well run triple option team is just asking for pain.

No it isn't. Purdue has at least 2 DL who will get drafted and 2 CB that will get drafted. Name me 4 NFL caliber players on Michigan's defense.

And honestly it's difficult to gauge how good or bad Michigan is right now. You basically have to throw out both UMass and 'Bama because both are at the opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of good football, 'Bama has crushed everything and UMass is just awful. And even the Air Force game is tough to use as a measuring stick.

I will say that Michigan's run D is not what it was, so ND should be able to move the ball effectively on the ground. But again, due to poor litmus tests I couldn't judge how M will do vs. ND throwing. I'm fairly certain ND is better than UMass and AF throwing the football, but your O-line is nothing compared to 'Bama's. This will, imo, be Michigan's first legitimate test to gauge how the rest of the season will go.

Good luck to you and your team and I hope there are no serious injuries.

 

[TheTeam16]

Im not sure if that last sentence is something to brag about

Wasn't bragging...one of your members accused our o-line of poor protection in the AF game. I was just setting the record straight.

 

[GoldenBoy3]

Wasn't bragging...one of your members accused our o-line of poor protection in the AF game. I was just setting the record straight.

Gotcha. I think ND is the better team. But like some of the people have been saying this game has always and probably will always be close, its a rivalry game. That being said I do think ND can control this game with running the ball the ball, bootlegs, and limiting mistake and win. But I cringe every time we miss a sack and Arm Punt rolls out and hurls a bomb downfield. I think ND wins this one 34-24

 

[TheTeam16]

Really? That's funny. When ND plays Air Force, Michigan sure has no problem pointing out how short that stick is, and how we are subpar to anyone in the NCAA for playing them. Also, I'm a little tired of the Bama beats on everyone logic as to why Michigan lost that game. For being the defending sugar bowl champs and #8 team in the country coming off an 11-2 season for 2011, it was never an unrealistic expectation to think Michigan could have given them a competitive game. Would they have won? No. But to be tossed around like a rag doll in a pit bull's mouth was just flat out exposure of the many flaws in the BCS system, and Michigan's lack of skill. Michigan was mediocre last year, they are mediocre this year, and so was ND, but ND has improved in several areas. I have yet to see Michigan improved in anything other than hoping Denard can save their hind ends in every game. If he doesn't bend over and tie his damn shoes, he's going to break an ankle running all over the field in his sock. I just am baffled at the total double standards Michigan fans have for their team. That's all. ND will win this one.

We lost the most important key to giving bama a competitive game, our d-line. Any competent Michigan fan knew we didn't stand a chance. I predicted 41-3, did little right in that game.

 

[PerthDomer]

How bad will Michigan be next year when they're Denardless? Even if they put Gardner at QB they've just lost their 2nd best WR. It may be a few more years in the wilderness before Hoke rights the ship (if he ever does).

 

[k1ssme1m1r1sh]

We lost the most important key to giving bama a competitive game, our d-line. Any competent Michigan fan knew we didn't stand a chance. I predicted 41-3, did little right in that game.

Those must be like Unicorns. I've never seen one.

 

[D-BOE34]

42-14 ND wins ... won't be close.

 

[NDhoosier]

^ agreed, wont be close. 35-14 Notre Dame... 200+yards rushing for Notre Dame's 3 backs.

 

[Walter White]

How bad will Michigan be next year when they're Denardless? Even if they put Gardner at QB they've just lost their 2nd best WR. It may be a few more years in the wilderness before Hoke rights the ship (if he ever does).

They actually should be better overall next year IMO. Hoke is doing an outstanding job recruiting and the young talent will give them a boost if it all sticks. Loosing Denard will hurt by they will be ok and get upgrades other places.

If they get Treadwell, they won't have to worry about WR next year. He is a Floyd clone coming out of high school.

 

[PerthDomer]

I think they lose some OL and DL guys. They had an empty recruiting 2 years ago and last year was good but not great. If they struggle this year I doubt they get Treadwell. Hoke is going to have to develop the HELL out of those lines if they want to be good next year.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

What is that, the PA system at Wal Mart?

Dude, you are killing me!

Has ND ever tried the whole "white out" or whatever color they choose for a game? IMO I think this game would be perfect to try it.

(It is a night game. Maybe we could just turn the lights out . . . )


Hotlips, I mean Kissme, you are just getting me hot. OMG I cannot remember the last time the snot came out my nose and then sucked right back in like when I saw your comments. (I am so glad nobody saw me.)

All my M-type friends are being very vague in their predictions this year.

And let me set it straight. I expect Michigan to lose three in the Big 10 at least this year. One will be the week after they play us. MSU and PU have better defenses period. Anybody who would say otherwise is out of it entirely or a Michigan fan.

I also would argue that Purdue's wide outs were better. And when you add in tight ends, I don't think the MSU crew was far behind.

Bottom line on the game. If Kelly keeps his IRISH focused on eating red meat, and 50 to 60 play out of the blocks it will be a track meet. If Kelly keeps his IRISH focused, and fewer play, it will be tighter. If ND loses it's focus, anything could happen.

Saw the season stats so far. Two interesting things; Only two SEC teams up there; ND, MSU, and PU are all listed in the top twenty; UM who plays weaker competition, (other than 'bama) isn't in the top 50. Ofd course this is only broad brushstrokes.

 

[levicarvalho]

31-21 ND

 

[gkIrish]

My head says ND 33-13

My heart says ND 28-27

 

[tko]

My head says ND 33-13

My heart says ND 28-27

and i'll take either.

 

[RDU Irish]

^ agreed, wont be close. 35-14 Notre Dame... 200+yards rushing for Notre Dame's 3 backs.

600+ yards on the ground, I agree. Zero passes, just run down their throat until they stop it. BOOM!

 

[greyhammer90]

I just don't see us scoring enough to run away with it. I think our offense will be decent, but will not put up more than 24 points. If Michigan goes over that, then I think they win.

(This is all dependent on ND coming out and playing the kind of game they've been playing since the Navy game, i.e. the spread. If they come out and are able to run it down UM's throats, then I could see us blowing this game wide open. I just haven't ever seen that consistently enough (and admittedly don't know enough about UM's run defense) to make a prediction that it will.)