I know this thread will get a lot of negative replies - just humor me okay? Nobody knows what Michigan is going to look like in November. Many of us expect them to get by the next three opponents moving to 8-2. Then opinions vary on what happens at Wisconsin and vs Ohio State.
I think we all agree it all depends on the offense and whether they ever figure out how to get all 11 guys to execute on the same play consistently.
But let's just say Michigan does figure it out. They should beat Rutgers, Minnesota and Maryland. Then maybe a close win in Madison? Revenge in The Game? Finishing with just two losses to MSU and Penn State. That isn't going to win the East barring some major upsets but it would certainly feel much better than the 8-4 many are predicting.
Imagine though if Ohio State loses this weekend to Penn State and then to Michigan, putting the Wolverines ahead of the Buckeyes due to the head to head.
Imagine if MSU loses to both Penn State and Ohio State, giving them two losses. Then imagine DJ Durkin and Maryland defeating the Spartans for their third loss, putting U-M ahead of MSU.
Michigan needs to take care of its own business. I think everything else is possible with the biggest stretch being a Terps win over MSU. But it is possible so cheer the turtle.
As for Penn State - unfortunately, I don't see any way Michigan can catch them based on the remaining schedule. So I'm pulling for them to win out except for maybe a loss to ...you guessed it, Maryland. I wouldn't be unhappy with a second place finish, matching records with the league's best team and a shot at what would be Harbaugh's best finish with a bowl win.
Even if Penn State wins out, if you consider the youth on this team, the disappointment after losing at home to MSU, getting abused at Penn State, the struggles on offense...if this team can figure out a way to finish 10-2 and second in the division, a lot of people will owe Jim Harbaugh a huge apology.
Like I said, I know a lot of people are going to feel the need to tell me - this will never happen, no way Michigan beats Wisconsin or Ohio State, they will be lucky to avoid an upset in the next three, etc. but I think that's the easy prediction to make right now. Why not entertain the possibility until it is no longer there. At least that is the approach I hope the coaches and players are taking, starting with this weekend vs. Rutgers.
I think we all agree it all depends on the offense and whether they ever figure out how to get all 11 guys to execute on the same play consistently.
But let's just say Michigan does figure it out. They should beat Rutgers, Minnesota and Maryland. Then maybe a close win in Madison? Revenge in The Game? Finishing with just two losses to MSU and Penn State. That isn't going to win the East barring some major upsets but it would certainly feel much better than the 8-4 many are predicting.
Imagine though if Ohio State loses this weekend to Penn State and then to Michigan, putting the Wolverines ahead of the Buckeyes due to the head to head.
Imagine if MSU loses to both Penn State and Ohio State, giving them two losses. Then imagine DJ Durkin and Maryland defeating the Spartans for their third loss, putting U-M ahead of MSU.
Michigan needs to take care of its own business. I think everything else is possible with the biggest stretch being a Terps win over MSU. But it is possible so cheer the turtle.
As for Penn State - unfortunately, I don't see any way Michigan can catch them based on the remaining schedule. So I'm pulling for them to win out except for maybe a loss to ...you guessed it, Maryland. I wouldn't be unhappy with a second place finish, matching records with the league's best team and a shot at what would be Harbaugh's best finish with a bowl win.
Even if Penn State wins out, if you consider the youth on this team, the disappointment after losing at home to MSU, getting abused at Penn State, the struggles on offense...if this team can figure out a way to finish 10-2 and second in the division, a lot of people will owe Jim Harbaugh a huge apology.
Like I said, I know a lot of people are going to feel the need to tell me - this will never happen, no way Michigan beats Wisconsin or Ohio State, they will be lucky to avoid an upset in the next three, etc. but I think that's the easy prediction to make right now. Why not entertain the possibility until it is no longer there. At least that is the approach I hope the coaches and players are taking, starting with this weekend vs. Rutgers.
