1. That was a great win on Saturday night, and it sets up what is the biggest game for Michigan football since Ohio State 2016. I predicted a loss to Notre Dame before the year because I felt we would be discombulated on offense, and we were. It didn’t concern me that much. However, this is a game that should not, and cannot afford to, lose. This is not the 2013-2015 Spartans. They’re awful on the OL, can’t run the ball at all, and don’t have the secondary that those teams had (at least 2013-2014). Lewerke has talent, but has been inconsistent at best this year. With that said, this isn’t 2016, as they do have definite strengths including a very good rushing defense, and a dynamic playmaker at wr. It’s more of a fringe top 30 team than a top 10 team, but plenty capable of beating Michigan if we don’t take advantage.
2. For those that thought it was better that MSU won Saturday, I’ll just say that I hope you’re happy. But understand this raises the stakes tenfold for Saturday. If MSU pulls another one out of their ass, they will be in control of their B1G East destiny, and unless you’re confident that Purdue, Maryland or Nebraska will pull an upset, we will need OSU to beat MSU on November 10 to have a shot at the B1G title. And I would not feel comfortable that OSU, with that defense, is definitely winning that game. So, UM better take care of business here.
3. My greatest concern coming out of Saturday night was how we left a boatload of points on the field after the first half. We dominated Wisconsin to the extent that it eventually was the difference between a 52-10 win and 38-13, but if we do that Saturday, we’re asking for a Mark Dantonio, pull it out of your ass special to take place. We can’t afford to be at halftime, have a 205-100 yards advantage and be clinging to a 10-6 lead.
4. This game is about the Michigan defense. I know the final stats looked pretty but the defense didn’t do what it should have last year. Knowing a monsoon was coming, we gave up two TD drives to an average offense. We need to come out early and set the tone. Yes, we know MSU has worked on stuff all year for this game, but how about hold them to a FG instead of a touchdown?
5. Offensively, will we exploit the MSU secondary? Clearly, Dantonio is hoping for a game where UM is content to pound it into the line and shorten the game. I’m not advocating throwing the ball 45 times, but we’re going to need take advantage of their secondary is this game is going to go as expect. Will Pep call slow developing pass plays that expose our quarterback to their blitzes that we know are coming? Two years ago, Jedd Fisch called a masterful game as Speight shredded MSU.
6. I’m relatively confident. This feels more like 2003/1997 than 2011. Michigan is a better team and should have the motivation after losing last year. This offers the opportunity to end a lot of streaks – losses to rivals, losing to ranked teams on the road. A loss would be devastating. It basically sets UM up for what was the nightmare scenario - 9-3 with losses to MSU, ND and OSU. Based on what I’ve seen, Michigan will win. It will be a dogfight for 3 quarters, but we should pull away late for a 24-9 win.
2. For those that thought it was better that MSU won Saturday, I’ll just say that I hope you’re happy. But understand this raises the stakes tenfold for Saturday. If MSU pulls another one out of their ass, they will be in control of their B1G East destiny, and unless you’re confident that Purdue, Maryland or Nebraska will pull an upset, we will need OSU to beat MSU on November 10 to have a shot at the B1G title. And I would not feel comfortable that OSU, with that defense, is definitely winning that game. So, UM better take care of business here.
3. My greatest concern coming out of Saturday night was how we left a boatload of points on the field after the first half. We dominated Wisconsin to the extent that it eventually was the difference between a 52-10 win and 38-13, but if we do that Saturday, we’re asking for a Mark Dantonio, pull it out of your ass special to take place. We can’t afford to be at halftime, have a 205-100 yards advantage and be clinging to a 10-6 lead.
4. This game is about the Michigan defense. I know the final stats looked pretty but the defense didn’t do what it should have last year. Knowing a monsoon was coming, we gave up two TD drives to an average offense. We need to come out early and set the tone. Yes, we know MSU has worked on stuff all year for this game, but how about hold them to a FG instead of a touchdown?
5. Offensively, will we exploit the MSU secondary? Clearly, Dantonio is hoping for a game where UM is content to pound it into the line and shorten the game. I’m not advocating throwing the ball 45 times, but we’re going to need take advantage of their secondary is this game is going to go as expect. Will Pep call slow developing pass plays that expose our quarterback to their blitzes that we know are coming? Two years ago, Jedd Fisch called a masterful game as Speight shredded MSU.
6. I’m relatively confident. This feels more like 2003/1997 than 2011. Michigan is a better team and should have the motivation after losing last year. This offers the opportunity to end a lot of streaks – losses to rivals, losing to ranked teams on the road. A loss would be devastating. It basically sets UM up for what was the nightmare scenario - 9-3 with losses to MSU, ND and OSU. Based on what I’ve seen, Michigan will win. It will be a dogfight for 3 quarters, but we should pull away late for a 24-9 win.
