Sep 22 | Michigan

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Sign outside ND practice locker room:

 

[phork]

As I read through this thread, I laugh, and at the same time I'm also confused. I just don't understand what it is about some people that makes them go to a rivals message board and talk trash.

My life is busy enough that sometimes I find it hard to check in here, and I'm an ND fan. I have no need to go to a rivals board and talk nonsense. I will never understand why people do that. I guess it's just because we're irrelevant.

I go to Mgoblog because I find the bulk of their regulars pretty humorous, and generally football smart. You can also say the "B" word without being banned.

 

[maison bleu]

I go to Mgoblog because I find the bulk of their regulars pretty humorous, and generally football smart.

Pretty similar to the reasons I come here... Plus I have some ND-fan relatives, and it helps to be informed when I see them in person.

 

[yankeeND]

GITF, love that picture!

So back to the game, I like the idea of playing Mich. for the fourth game of the year. One, they have to play Alabama to start the season. Win lose or well you know, they are gonna get beat up a little as Alabama is a very physical team. Two, finally we get a couple games that aren't toss ups to start the season and can fine tune some things before we play them. Three, what were we talking about?

 

[IrishLax]

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[IrishLax]

To add my 2 cents.... we've been the considerably better team than Michigan on the field each of the past 3 years. You have to be a complete UM homer to think anything different. Doesn't matter though because through officiating (2009), an injury to the only real QB on the roster (2010), and the most insane luck (2011) we've come out on the wrong side every time.

There is no way, unless you are completely biased towards Michigan, to look at the talent of both teams position by position and say they're the better team. Our OL should be as good as or better than Michigan's... from everything I've heard this is going to be the best OL we've seen in a long time and last year they were pretty darn good. Our DL should be flat out better... KLM, Tuitt, Nix, Kona > who they've got. People make a big deal out of lynch without realizing 1) he had a horrible attitude and most of the other players were happy to see him go 2) he refused to play in the scheme as intended 3) he blew as many plays last year as he made. Definitely the best pass rusher on the team, but he was soooooo far from being the best/most important DL to our success and anyone who thinks different doesn't understand the team dynamics well enough. So basically, we should win the trenches.

At DB.... Jamoris Slaughter is better than any safety Michigan has including Kovacs. It's not even close. Slaughter will get drafted in the top 3 rounds guaranteed. I don't like Zeke Motta personally but I've heard he's improved considerably. Missing Austin Collinsworth will hurt considerably... but the talent is still there and greater than Michigan's. At CB, Blake Countess is a solid player but frankly you have to be beyond ignorant of Notre Dame football to not think Bennett Jackson is as good or better than him. CB2? Depth? Could be issues. Could be serious issues if Bennett Jackson or Slaughter goes down. But there is no way you look at the secondary and say "man, I wish I had Michigan's scrubs."

Linebackers? Not even close. Te'o > everyone on Michigan's roster. Shembo, if healthy, should be near dominant at CAT. WILL and DOG, at worst, will be as good as they were last year because the same players are available. Most likely they'll be improved.

Skill positions? WR? Even without Floyd, there is no way you look at the "talent" Michigan has and say it is better than what we've got. TE? Not even comparable. RB? If you think Touissant > Wood, Riddick, GAIII or Carlisle you're bat **** crazy. Would an ND fan trade any one of our 4 backs for Touissant? The answer is NO. Maybe Carlisle only because of the injury bug. The funniest part of ResidentMFan's post was thinking Cierre Wood is our best back when he's arguably our 3rd best this year.

Which brings us to QB.... the one position where Denard "Miracle Worker" Robinson is the only thing that can save Michigan.

Assuming unbiased officiating from the Big Ten officials and both teams entering the game healthy, I am expecting a solid win this year. I'd be shocked if Michigan gets over 17 points in any scenario.

 

[yankeeND]

LAX, that's a great analysis. I am with you that we were the better team. I think that it's such an emotional game for us that it hurt the last few years being so early on the schedule. Truly believe Kelly will have things just the way he likes it for this game because I can not see him losing 3 in a row to them.

 

[NDhoosier]

To add my 2 cents.... we've been the considerably better team than Michigan on the field each of the past 3 years. You have to be a complete UM homer to think anything different. Doesn't matter though because through officiating (2009), an injury to the only real QB on the roster (2010), and the most insane luck (2011) we've come out on the wrong side every time.

There is no way, unless you are completely biased towards Michigan, to look at the talent of both teams position by position and say they're the better team. Our OL should be as good as or better than Michigan's... from everything I've heard this is going to be the best OL we've seen in a long time and last year they were pretty darn good. Our DL should be flat out better... KLM, Tuitt, Nix, Kona > who they've got. People make a big deal out of lynch without realizing 1) he had a horrible attitude and most of the other players were happy to see him go 2) he refused to play in the scheme as intended 3) he blew as many plays last year as he made. Definitely the best pass rusher on the team, but he was soooooo far from being the best/most important DL to our success and anyone who thinks different doesn't understand the team dynamics well enough. So basically, we should win the trenches.

At DB.... Jamoris Slaughter is better than any safety Michigan has including Kovacs. It's not even close. Slaughter will get drafted in the top 3 rounds guaranteed. I don't like Zeke Motta personally but I've heard he's improved considerably. Missing Austin Collinsworth will hurt considerably... but the talent is still there and greater than Michigan's. At CB, Blake Countess is a solid player but frankly you have to be beyond ignorant of Notre Dame football to not think Bennett Jackson is as good or better than him. CB2? Depth? Could be issues. Could be serious issues if Bennett Jackson or Slaughter goes down. But there is no way you look at the secondary and say "man, I wish I had Michigan's scrubs."

Linebackers? Not even close. Te'o > everyone on Michigan's roster. Shembo, if healthy, should be near dominant at CAT. WILL and DOG, at worst, will be as good as they were last year because the same players are available. Most likely they'll be improved.

Skill positions? WR? Even without Floyd, there is no way you look at the "talent" Michigan has and say it is better than what we've got. TE? Not even comparable. RB? If you think Touissant > Wood, Riddick, GAIII or Carlisle you're bat **** crazy. Would an ND fan trade any one of our 4 backs for Touissant? The answer is NO. Maybe Carlisle only because of the injury bug. The funniest part of ResidentMFan's post was thinking Cierre Wood is our best back when he's arguably our 3rd best this year.

Which brings us to QB.... the one position where Denard "Miracle Worker" Robinson is the only thing that can save Michigan.

Assuming unbiased officiating from the Big Ten officials and both teams entering the game healthy, I am expecting a solid win this year. I'd be shocked if Michigan gets over 17 points in any scenario.

Alright, I just want to say that I agree with everything you just said wholeheartedly and I expect nothing less than a 10point victory this year against them. But what is with the Bold statement... Cierre Wood is probably our best proven skill player on offense behind Eifert, yet you call him our 3rd best back? GAIII has potential, but you saw what he did at the Spring game, he still has things to learn, Wood only got a couple carries that game and he did pretty well himself. Wood has NFL draft pick all over him unless he gets hurt.

 

[Riddickulous]

To add my 2 cents.... we've been the considerably better team than Michigan on the field each of the past 3 years. You have to be a complete UM homer to think anything different. Doesn't matter though because through officiating (2009), an injury to the only real QB on the roster (2010), and the most insane luck (2011) we've come out on the wrong side every time.

There is no way, unless you are completely biased towards Michigan, to look at the talent of both teams position by position and say they're the better team. Our OL should be as good as or better than Michigan's... from everything I've heard this is going to be the best OL we've seen in a long time and last year they were pretty darn good. Our DL should be flat out better... KLM, Tuitt, Nix, Kona > who they've got. People make a big deal out of lynch without realizing 1) he had a horrible attitude and most of the other players were happy to see him go 2) he refused to play in the scheme as intended 3) he blew as many plays last year as he made. Definitely the best pass rusher on the team, but he was soooooo far from being the best/most important DL to our success and anyone who thinks different doesn't understand the team dynamics well enough. So basically, we should win the trenches.

At DB.... Jamoris Slaughter is better than any safety Michigan has including Kovacs. It's not even close. Slaughter will get drafted in the top 3 rounds guaranteed. I don't like Zeke Motta personally but I've heard he's improved considerably. Missing Austin Collinsworth will hurt considerably... but the talent is still there and greater than Michigan's. At CB, Blake Countess is a solid player but frankly you have to be beyond ignorant of Notre Dame football to not think Bennett Jackson is as good or better than him. CB2? Depth? Could be issues. Could be serious issues if Bennett Jackson or Slaughter goes down. But there is no way you look at the secondary and say "man, I wish I had Michigan's scrubs."

Linebackers? Not even close. Te'o > everyone on Michigan's roster. Shembo, if healthy, should be near dominant at CAT. WILL and DOG, at worst, will be as good as they were last year because the same players are available. Most likely they'll be improved.

Skill positions? WR? Even without Floyd, there is no way you look at the "talent" Michigan has and say it is better than what we've got. TE? Not even comparable. RB? If you think Touissant > Wood, Riddick, GAIII or Carlisle you're bat **** crazy. Would an ND fan trade any one of our 4 backs for Touissant? The answer is NO. Maybe Carlisle only because of the injury bug. The funniest part of ResidentMFan's post was thinking Cierre Wood is our best back when he's arguably our 3rd best this year.

Which brings us to QB.... the one position where Denard "Miracle Worker" Robinson is the only thing that can save Michigan.

Assuming unbiased officiating from the Big Ten officials and both teams entering the game healthy, I am expecting a solid win this year. I'd be shocked if Michigan gets over 17 points in any scenario.

I agree with everything except the bolded parts.

 

[UmphreakDomer]

To add my 2 cents.... we've been the considerably better team than Michigan on the field each of the past 3 years. You have to be a complete UM homer to think anything different. Doesn't matter though because through officiating (2009), an injury to the only real QB on the roster (2010), and the most insane luck (2011) we've come out on the wrong side every time.

Assuming unbiased officiating from the Big Ten officials and both teams entering the game healthy, I am expecting a solid win this year. I'd be shocked if Michigan gets over 17 points in any scenario.

LAX--i'm 99% of the time in agreement with you posts. my only problem with this one is the use of the word "considerably". your assessment of each of the past three games is accurate, however, if we were considerably better--the game shouldnt have been that close. we were considerably better on offense in '09, but defense (and officiating) gave that game back to UM.
We are probably very comparable talent wise in '10. Dayne's injury was a major blow. Our LB/DE's (at that time) couldn't contain Robinson.
'11 was a freaking joke. bad secondary play. bad LB play. although we were probably better in those areas. we played down to their level.

i just do not think we were considerably better.

excellant analysis and expectations otherwise though.

 

[Rocket89]

To add my 2 cents.... we've been the considerably better team than Michigan on the field each of the past 3 years. You have to be a complete UM homer to think anything different. Doesn't matter though because through officiating (2009), an injury to the only real QB on the roster (2010), and the most insane luck (2011) we've come out on the wrong side every time.

There is no way, unless you are completely biased towards Michigan, to look at the talent of both teams position by position and say they're the better team. Our OL should be as good as or better than Michigan's... from everything I've heard this is going to be the best OL we've seen in a long time and last year they were pretty darn good. Our DL should be flat out better... KLM, Tuitt, Nix, Kona > who they've got. People make a big deal out of lynch without realizing 1) he had a horrible attitude and most of the other players were happy to see him go 2) he refused to play in the scheme as intended 3) he blew as many plays last year as he made. Definitely the best pass rusher on the team, but he was soooooo far from being the best/most important DL to our success and anyone who thinks different doesn't understand the team dynamics well enough. So basically, we should win the trenches.

At DB.... Jamoris Slaughter is better than any safety Michigan has including Kovacs. It's not even close. Slaughter will get drafted in the top 3 rounds guaranteed. I don't like Zeke Motta personally but I've heard he's improved considerably. Missing Austin Collinsworth will hurt considerably... but the talent is still there and greater than Michigan's. At CB, Blake Countess is a solid player but frankly you have to be beyond ignorant of Notre Dame football to not think Bennett Jackson is as good or better than him. CB2? Depth? Could be issues. Could be serious issues if Bennett Jackson or Slaughter goes down. But there is no way you look at the secondary and say "man, I wish I had Michigan's scrubs."

Linebackers? Not even close. Te'o > everyone on Michigan's roster. Shembo, if healthy, should be near dominant at CAT. WILL and DOG, at worst, will be as good as they were last year because the same players are available. Most likely they'll be improved.

Skill positions? WR? Even without Floyd, there is no way you look at the "talent" Michigan has and say it is better than what we've got. TE? Not even comparable. RB? If you think Touissant > Wood, Riddick, GAIII or Carlisle you're bat **** crazy. Would an ND fan trade any one of our 4 backs for Touissant? The answer is NO. Maybe Carlisle only because of the injury bug. The funniest part of ResidentMFan's post was thinking Cierre Wood is our best back when he's arguably our 3rd best this year.

Which brings us to QB.... the one position where Denard "Miracle Worker" Robinson is the only thing that can save Michigan.

Assuming unbiased officiating from the Big Ten officials and both teams entering the game healthy, I am expecting a solid win this year. I'd be shocked if Michigan gets over 17 points in any scenario.

Borderline homerish take yourself.

Michigan's secondary should be pretty solid and has been rebuilt nicely following Rich Rod's departure. I have a hard time thinking one of our corners who's never seen the field in a regular capacity is better than a Big Ten Frosh All-American. I'd take their secondary over ours---seriously we have Motta, Jackson, and Wood/Atkinson---no one is afraid of 75% of our secondary.

They still have one of the best left tackles in the country and I think Hoke will keep them strong up front on the O-line. They replace 2 starters just like us, but we are probably a little better.

We do have an advantage on the D-line.

Linebackers, if not for Te'o it's pretty close IMO. If Shembo can be near dominant than you could make the case for 2 or 3 Wolverine 'backers too as well.

Receivers...I wish we had Roundtree instead of John Goodman. We may have an edge if our young players step up. Tight end isn't close, we are extremely strong there and they are not.

I think Toussaint is really, really good. He'd split carries with Cierre and keep Riddick in the slot if he was on our roster.

Wood as our 3rd best back is...well...retarded.

And Denard tops it off.

 

[IrishLax]

Alright, I just want to say that I agree with everything you just said wholeheartedly and I expect nothing less than a 10point victory this year against them. But what is with the Bold statement... Cierre Wood is probably our best proven skill player on offense behind Eifert, yet you call him our 3rd best back? GAIII has potential, but you saw what he did at the Spring game, he still has things to learn, Wood only got a couple carries that game and he did pretty well himself. Wood has NFL draft pick all over him unless he gets hurt.

To me, it's very debatable. I, and a couple others, actually liked Riddick's RB film better coming out of HS and if you remember Riddick played as a frosh over Wood. On a lot of levels, while Cierre might be a more prototypical NFL type RB as you correctly point out, if you made me pick between either having Riddick OR Wood as our RB... and I could only have 1... I'd take Riddick. While I'm probably in the minority there, I don't think I'm alone.

GAIII I think has the most pure upside/talent of the 3. He still runs "tall" but his superior breakaway speed is just too hard to discount. I agree with what you're saying about him, he's got a long way to go. But if both he and Cierre were HS prospects which would you rather we sign? I, personally, expect Cierre to be the bell cow this year and barring injury go pro. Next year I expect GAIII to make us all go "Cierre who?"

I'm also enamored with Carlisle as a prospect. He's got great talent (SPEED!) and also a GREAT attitude. But you can't really slot him anywhere until his injuries become a non-factor.

 

[IrishLax]

I agree with everything except the bolded parts.

Point by point in order... what don't you like about Slaughter? I think his versatility alone will get him drafted that high.

I think BJax is going to be better than both Gary Gray and Robert Blanton were last year. Blake Countess still has a lot of time to show what he can do and he might be an NFL caliber player. Beyond ignorant was a HUGE overstatement on my part in retrospect.... just kinda got in a flow with the rhetoric... they should both be good players this year.

I love Shembo. I think he's a budding James Harrison. He needs to be healthy though... foot injuries are especially devastating to "explosive" players.

Which of our 4 guys would you trade for Touissant?

After watching how horrible Michigan played against a BAD Virginia Tech defense and combining that with the fact that Junior "Jump Ball" Hemingway is gone....... I only see them getting to 17 or above if they force turnovers and get help from officials. I don't think they have the offense to beat us with how good we should be against the run.

 

[Riddickulous]

Point by point in order... what don't you like about Slaughter? I think his versatility alone will get him drafted that high.

I think BJax is going to be better than both Gary Gray and Robert Blanton were last year. Blake Countess still has a lot of time to show what he can do and he might be an NFL caliber player. Beyond ignorant was a HUGE overstatement on my part in retrospect.... just kinda got in a flow with the rhetoric... they should both be good players this year.

I love Shembo. I think he's a budding James Harrison. He needs to be healthy though... foot injuries are especially devastating to "explosive" players.

Which of our 4 guys would you trade for Touissant?

After watching how horrible Michigan played against a BAD Virginia Tech defense and combining that with the fact that Junior "Jump Ball" Hemingway is gone....... I only see them getting to 17 or above if they force turnovers and get help from officials. I don't think they have the offense to beat us with how good we should be against the run.

I really like Slaughter and I think he'll drafted, just not in the top three rounds.

Bennett Jackson hasn't played much corner thus far. I'm understandably skeptical, but hoping you're right.

I'm hoping Shembo dominates, but again I'm skeptical. Guess I'm trying not to set my expectations too high.

If Toussaint were on this team he would be our #2 back, at worst. He's good.

If we can keep their running game in check, I think we win. But I don't know if we can.

 

[IrishLax]

Borderline homerish take yourself.

Michigan's secondary should be pretty solid and has been rebuilt nicely following Rich Rod's departure. I have a hard time thinking one of our corners who's never seen the field in a regular capacity is better than a Big Ten Frosh All-American. I'd take their secondary over ours---seriously we have Motta, Jackson, and Wood/Atkinson---no one is afraid of 75% of our secondary.

Well that's not a thing.... but I'm assuming you're going for Big Ten All-Freshman and not Freshman All-American... he was the former not the latter. He got that because Michigan's secondary was so bad last year that he was forced into playing a bunch; not because he had a great year. For comparison, Aaron Lynch had a very so-so year with a lot of mistakes and only played part time... and he was a Freshman All-American. Countess did not have a great year by any stretch, but he certainly wasn't bad.

They still have one of the best left tackles in the country and I think Hoke will keep them strong up front on the O-line. They replace 2 starters just like us, but we are probably a little better.

We do have an advantage on the D-line.

Linebackers, if not for Te'o it's pretty close IMO. If Shembo can be near dominant than you could make the case for 2 or 3 Wolverine 'backers too as well.

We agree on everything here, for the most part. I don't think Lewan is as good as your suggesting; certainly not better than Zach Martin. But he's darn good don't get me wrong. I'm abnormally high on Shembo, but I'm fine with that. Most people disagree with me.

Receivers...I wish we had Roundtree instead of John Goodman. We may have an edge if our young players step up. Tight end isn't close, we are extremely strong there and they are not.

Agreed.

I think Toussaint is really, really good. He'd split carries with Cierre and keep Riddick in the slot if he was on our roster.

Wood as our 3rd best back is...well...retarded.

Strongly disgareed. Touissant disappeared against above-average competition. And as a matter of opinion, I think he just strong benefits form the running threat of Denard.

Touissant had zero yards against ND (not his fault), 30 yards on 13 carries against Virginia Tech (2.3 AVG), and 2 carries for 7 yards against Michigan State (3.5 AVG). So against every team with an above average defense (and I generously put VT in that category after watching them get smacked by Clemson) he played very poorly or was a non-factor. Why do people give him so much credit?

And Denard tops it off.

Yup.

 

[IrishLax]

LAX--i'm 99% of the time in agreement with you posts. my only problem with this one is the use of the word "considerably". your assessment of each of the past three games is accurate, however, if we were considerably better--the game shouldnt have been that close. we were considerably better on offense in '09, but defense (and officiating) gave that game back to UM.
We are probably very comparable talent wise in '10. Dayne's injury was a major blow. Our LB/DE's (at that time) couldn't contain Robinson.
'11 was a freaking joke. bad secondary play. bad LB play. although we were probably better in those areas. we played down to their level.

i just do not think we were considerably better.

excellant analysis and expectations otherwise though.

Good points, should probably change "considerably" to "marginally."

 

[arrowryan]

I like GA3 the most out of our running backs. He has pure speed, big, and he catches the ball well

 

[phork]

And then there is the intangibles category. Coaching, Coaching Coaching. Ever since the Navy debacle a few years back I have some questions regarding adjustments not being made.

Last year should have been a 20-30 point blow out on one of the biggest stages in the game. We were flat the entire second half, or perhaps adjustments were made defensively to stop us. We suddenly stop doing things that worked on defense for 3 quarters and let them score 28 points in one quarter? Thats almost unheard of, even if you are the worst team in D1AA playing Bama.

I expect it to be a blow out this year. What I expect and what happens in reality are 2 different things.

 

[no.1IrishFan]

And then there is the intangibles category. Coaching, Coaching Coaching. Ever since the Navy debacle a few years back I have some questions regarding adjustments not being made.

Last year should have been a 20-30 point blow out on one of the biggest stages in the game. We were flat the entire second half, or perhaps adjustments were made defensively to stop us. We suddenly stop doing things that worked on defense for 3 quarters and let them score 28 points in one quarter? Thats almost unheard of, even if you are the worst team in D1AA playing Bama.

I expect it to be a blow out this year. What I expect and what happens in reality are 2 different things.

Agree, sometimes I feel like BK gives opposing teams to much credit at halftime by assuming the other team has made correct adjustments to counter what has worked for us the entire half. Therefore he changes our plan of attack prematurely.
Make them prove that they have made the correct adjustments and can stop us before we change what we were successful with in the first half.
Not bashing coach Kelly but there were several games last year where we seemed to get away from what worked in the first half.

 

[UmphreakDomer]

Agree, sometimes I feel like BK gives opposing teams to much credit at halftime by assuming the other team has made correct adjustments to counter what has worked for us the entire half. Therefore he changes our plan of attack prematurely.
Make them prove that they have made the correct adjustments and can stop us before we change what we were successful with in the first half.
Not bashing coach Kelly but there were several games last year where we seemed to get away from what worked in the first half.

the bowl game comes to mind....(defensively, for sure)

 

[NDhoosier]

To me, it's very debatable. I, and a couple others, actually liked Riddick's RB film better coming out of HS and if you remember Riddick played as a frosh over Wood. On a lot of levels, while Cierre might be a more prototypical NFL type RB as you correctly point out, if you made me pick between either having Riddick OR Wood as our RB... and I could only have 1... I'd take Riddick. While I'm probably in the minority there, I don't think I'm alone.

GAIII I think has the most pure upside/talent of the 3. He still runs "tall" but his superior breakaway speed is just too hard to discount. I agree with what you're saying about him, he's got a long way to go. But if both he and Cierre were HS prospects which would you rather we sign? I, personally, expect Cierre to be the bell cow this year and barring injury go pro. Next year I expect GAIII to make us all go "Cierre who?"

I'm also enamored with Carlisle as a prospect. He's got great talent (SPEED!) and also a GREAT attitude. But you can't really slot him anywhere until his injuries become a non-factor.

I agree that GAIII has the most upside and I dont think we will miss Cierre because of him and Carlisle, but right now, for this year, I would rather have Wood than GAIII. I agree with your assessment of Carlisle, but we will have to wait and see how he turns out.

I dont agree with Riddick. I think Riddick is great in space which is why I like him more at slot, but he has not impressed me at the RB position. I would take Wood over Riddick in the backfield in a heart-beat to be honest.

However, I think it is great that we can have a debate about Cierre Wood being our top RB or not... That simply means our RB core is deep and talented.

 

[D-BOE34]

We win by 24 due to the fact that we don't change so drastically late in the game. We know how to stop them. You put Denard in a can't lose situation and, well, he took advantage. Agree or disagree, I think we finish games better this year as well as lower our turnovers.

I can't do the whole who is better than each other thing per position. I have been drinking. What I do know is they have Denard and we have a defense that stopped him 3 quarters and is (hopefully) improved. Minus Gary Gray, but does that matter much?

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Bill Connelly of SBNation previews the 2012 Wolverines here.

In part, the answer to that question depends on whether you believe more in experience or luck. Michigan indeed improved last year, but its 11-2 record took shape partially because a) they went 3-1 in games decided by one possession, and b) they benefited more from turnovers luck more than any other team in the country. They recovered 75 percent of all fumbles (13 of their 19 fumbles, 20 of their opponents' 25), and their turnover margin was plus-7 when it should have been closer to minus-3. It helped them in 2011, and it could very well hinder them as compared to expectations in 2012.

I vote we sacrifice Grubl to the football gods. My heart can't take any more voodoo losses.

Prognosis

There really is a lot to like about this team, and there's even more to like about the program-building efforts Brady Hoke has undergone since coming (back) to town. It took him less than one calendar year to make Michigan "Michigan" again, and there's no reason to believe that, between the coaching ability and monster recruiting, the Wolverines won't soon re-establish itself as a national power.

But that doesn't necessarily mean 2012 will be an incredible season. Wide receivers are an issue, and the defensive line is full of both potential and question marks, but really, it just comes down to that schedule. A Top 5 team, with good turnovers luck, might still lose two or three games with this road slate. So from a national title perspective, I wouldn't be putting a lot of money on UM. But they should still be very much in the running for a division and, therefore, conference title (they do host Michigan State, after all), and considering where the Wolverines were just 18 months ago, that should be good enough for now.

 

[BGIF]

...


I vote we sacrifice Grubl to the football gods. My heart can't take any more voodoo losses.

Grubl???

Cain made an inferior offering and look how that turned out. If it's sacrifice you want than better make it worthwhile: OMM for Wisdom, or NDLeftL.A. for Dedication, or Beau for Virginity ...

Since Hoke made a Faustian Pact with the Turnover Deity (did you think the term T.D. came out of nowhere?) perhaps offering ND's most profilic turnover machine in recent memory on the altar of South Bend injustice might break their magic hold on turnover recovery while simultaneously improving ND ball security. (Would have been a 6 game swing last season in the UM/ND All Time Winingest Percentage battle.)

At the least it would shorten profanity in the Game Day Threads each week.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Cain made an inferior offering and look how that turned out. If it's sacrifice you want than better make it worthwhile: OMM for Wisdom, or NDLeftL.A. for Dedication, or Beau for Virginity ...

How about Tom Hammond? I'm not willing to part with any of the above.

Since Hoke made a Faustian Pact with the Turnover Deity (did you think the term T.D. came out of nowhere?) perhaps offering ND's most profilic turnover machine in recent memory on the altar of South Bend injustice might break their magic hold on turnover recovery while simultaneously improving ND ball security. (Would have been a 6 game swing last season in the UM/ND All Time Winingest Percentage battle.)

Would Mephistopheles be interested in Rees? I bet Satan's got a great pass rush; he would have fun with Tommy.

 

[ab2cmiller]

Some comments about Michigan from a Phil Steele interview that elevenwarriors posted today.
Eleven Warriors

11W: Michigan is obviously never far from people’s minds in Ohio. Last season, Brady Hoke and the Wolverines were one of the bigger success stories in the country. Do you think that can be sustained? Their schedule is much tougher and there was a little bit of luck involved last year. What do you think is on the horizon for Michigan?

PS: Last year, Michigan had the best case scenario. Going 11-2, that’s about as good as it can get. When you look at things a little bit closer, the bowl game (against Virginia Tech)for example, they got out first-downed 22-12, outgained 377-184, but at the end of the game, they ended up winning.

You look at the Notre Dame game, heading into the fourth quarter you’re thinking Notre Dame is going to win by 24 points. They completely dominated the game and then ended up coming up short when Denard Robinson had a touchdown pass in the final seconds. So I think they overachieved a little bit last year.

They only beat one ranked team in the regular season. In fact, they only played two. So they didn’t have a brutal schedule. This year the schedule gets a little bit tougher. I do think this season’s team is a little bit stronger if they can get the defensive line going. I talked to Coach Hoke last year prior to the season and he had concerns about the personnel on defense, and it worked out pretty well. (Defensive coordinator Greg) Mattison and Co. got them to allow 129 yards per game less than the year before, so they’ll have a decent defense – a Top 25 defense.

Offensively, you have Denard Robinson, you have a solid running back in Fitzgerald Toussaint and they’ve got some solid receivers and offensive lineman. They’re a very good team; I just don’t think they’ll overachieve like they did last year.

I have them as an underdog against Alabama, a slight underdog at Notre Dame, an underdog at Nebraska and an underdog at Ohio State. That doesn’t mean they’ll lose all of them, but I think their odds of getting 11 wins are a little more difficult. I do think, with that being Ohio State’s bowl game at the end of the season, Ohio State will probably come out on top.

 

[NDhoosier]

The only people who have Michigan as the favorite in South Bend are the people who put too much stock into records and dont watch the games for themselves or pay attention to what each team loses in the off-season.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I've been going to ND games for a long time and realize how hard it can be to get tickets. I noticed that this game is already sold out. I'm looking for four tickets. So if there is by chance anyone who has four or knows someone selling four, please message me. Thanks!!

 

[woolybug25]

I've been going to ND games for a long time and realize how hard it can be to get tickets. I noticed that this game is already sold out. I'm looking for four tickets. So if there is by chance anyone who has four or knows someone selling four, please message me. Thanks!!

If you have been going to ND games for a long time now, then you should know that there are scalpers outside of the stadium every game. Not the most fun option, but if it comes down to it, you can always score that way.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

If you have been going to ND games for a long time now, then you should know that there are scalpers outside of the stadium every game. Not the most fun option, but if it comes down to it, you can always score that way.

Scalpers on the street are always my very last option (way too expensive). I've actually had better luck in the parking lot, finding a person who became too drunk to go in, etc. Happens more than you'd think. I've been fortunate to have never paid anything over face value. I think my luck may have run out w/ this game however.