Spielman high on UM, a top 10 team.

[ArrowheadBlue]

Chris Spielman has covered two Michigan football games this year and is sold on the Wolverines.

The ESPN analyst and former Ohio State and Detroit Lions linebacker worked U-M's 31-0 win over BYU last weekend and was impressed by the progress under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh.

"Better and on a faster pace than I thought they would be," Spielman said in an interview with WOSN-TV on Monday in Ohio. "They're well-coached, they play hard, they play angry and they're playing to prove something. I did the Oregon State game, and I said after that game, 'Boy I think they'll get eight wins.' I just watched them manhandle Brigham Young, who took UCLA to the brink, and it was 31-0 at halftime. I said on the radio show back in Columbus today, I think they can make an argument for maybe a top-10 team, or at least a top-15 team. I think they're that good."

The 3-1 Wolverines, now ranked No. 22, play at Maryland on Saturday night (8, BTN) to open the Big Ten season.

Spielman said if quarterback Jake Rudock improves, "They're as good as anybody."

"It's a different type of team (than the recent past), because their defense is outstanding and their offensive line is really, really good," Spielman said. "Where they're lacking a little bit ... they don't have the depth at the skill positions, and the quarterback play needs to get a little more consistent. Then they'll be really, really good.

"They're well-coached and they're on a mission. And they're playing like it."


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Vote now: College football Top 25


LINE MOVING: The betting line on the Michigan-Maryland game opened at 11 1/2 at 6 p.m. on Sunday but has soared since. On Vegasinsider.com, the number is up to 16 as of 10:40 a.m. this morning and at the Wynn, it rose to 14 1/2 last night.

 

[St. Joe Blue 3]

Spielman nailed it.

 

[detroitjohn]

I'm not biting Spielman's lure, one game at a time for this Wolverine. IF we win the next three, then let's talk top 10.

 

[St. Joe Blue 3]

That's okay, I drank the whole pitcher of KoolAid for us all already ... you can thank me later.

 

[St. Joe Blue 3]

That's okay, I drank the whole pitcher of KoolAid for us all already ... you can thank me later.

 

[anon_sg4bgyiuileo1]

I'm not biting Spielman's lure, one game at a time for this Wolverine. IF we win the next three, then let's talk top 10.

Yessir.

 

[anon_sg4bgyiuileo1]

That's okay, I drank the whole pitcher of KoolAid for us all already ... you can thank me later.

It's good to see the fan base enthusiastic for once. It's been a tough road.

 

[Reality Man]

I agree. Does UM have a top 10 defense? Sure.

Does that make them a top 10 team? I don't know. That offense is still less than reliable. The OL and TE's are obviously improving along with the wr's.

The reason I don't believe UM is a top 10 team is the offense is too inconsistent. Too 20? Yes because of the defense.

 

[tarun262]

I view Speilman's comments as slightly different. In the past he always said UM does not have the talent right now to be a Top 25 team and I always argued that given our recruiting, if developed we had the talent. I think what he is now saying is:

1. We have enough talent on this team to be a Top 10 team, which I do agree with completely.
2. Nobody in the BIG wants to really play us and while OSU and MSU fans show up here with the chest inflated high about how their teams have dominated, all those fans do know that time is short-lived and it's only a matter of time before Michigan is not only relevant but close to where they used to be. I will admit it, as a fan I had a sick feeling in my stomach when Urban was hired because I know how good a coach he is and OSU was not going to suck or be mediocre anytime soon. JH is viewed in the same vein.

I don't think we are anywhere close to a Top 10 team, probably not even a Top 25 team - we have not proven anything yet. A win against Northwestern and I will be excited and maybe drinking some Kool Aid around being Top 20. All I know is that we are trending upwards and that to me is encouraging enough.

 

[tarun262]

On a different note - as much as I hate to admit it, my 4 our of my 5 favorite college announcers/analysts are ironically OSU grads - Herbie, Speilman, Galloway, Robert Smith, and Brian Griese. Giving props where props are due.

 

[Reality Man]

Disagree. Does UM have top 10 talent at the rb, wr or qb position on the roster? I guess you could argue that Drake Harris and Cole are top 10 potential material at wr but not yet developed.

The point is that in the key positions on a football team...UM is clearly not top 10. Butt would be the only guy at a key offensive position that I think is top 10 material. If UM didn't have a very good defense but average this team would be .500 in Big Ten play. Maybe slightly above .500 because of Harbaugh and staff.

Unless you have the 85 Bears defense....good luck winning games nowadays in college football. The offense is going to have to play well in order to beat good teams on the road and at home. Do you believe the offense has proven they can consistently play well?...I don't.

Right now I believe UM can lose 2-4 games in Big Ten play depending on offensive performance. If I had to venture a guess...the over/under would be 2.5. I need to see Rudock and run game against MSU and Minny and then I can tell you whether this team is top 10.

What I am saying is UM can go 9-3 if the offense and defense plays somewhere between Utah and BYU performances.



Just my .02 cts.


Reality Man

 

[BigHouseBallin]

If Michigan plays every week like we did vs BYU then yes we're a top 10 team. However, I think that's probably unrealistic. We played our A game on offense for a half and our A game on defense for 4 quarters. They'll be more mistakes and miscues in future games. Sat vs BYU was a glimpse at where we are going and what we can become if we crank out performances like that consistently.

 

[scfanblue]

I don't think we are anywhere close to a Top 10 team, probably not even a Top 25 team - we have not proven anything yet.

While I agree with your statement right now, let's remember that college football right now really does not have a bunch of dominant teams. The SEC is as down as I have ever seen it. I think Utah may be the best team in the PAC 12 (Not UCLA). Ohio State is loaded with players and experience but what have they really done to impress this year? They are playing the most uninspired football of any college team right now. I am surprised by this because Urban managed his back to back NC teams much better than this bunch. I still believe they make the playoffs though.

 

[tarun262]

You really don't think we have a roster stacked with RBs? Name another roster that has 2 HS 5-stars on their roster? This is a question of them not being developed. Agree on WR but I think we have an adequate enough QB. Like I said, across the board we have Top 10 talent - not by individual talent. If we play as a team we could be a top 10 team but ways to go still.

 

[ThatsMrSpartan2U]

I'm a true blue Spartan. Not trolling. I was in Boston last week and watched the UM and MSU games simultaneously on the big screen in the Copley Sq. Marriot sports bar. Michigan played hard that whole game. MSU played with little emotion and it wasn't until the 4th quarter that the Spartans really rose up and played with passion.
I'm convinced. Michigan is for real. With Utah dismantling Oregon in Eugene and UMs beat down on BYU I'm sure that MSU's win over Oregon is not nearly as impressive as UMs modest loss in Salt Lake City. Kudos to Harbaugh. UM looks decidedly better with much the same players as last year.

MSU should handle Purdue (but it won't be easy...Purdue can pass....can MSU plant their QB like they did CMUs in the 4th qtr last week? If not Purdue will hang around). Rutgers won't challenge the Spartans in 2 weeks. I can see the UM-MSU game being huge in 3 weeks. Right now I'd take UM and the points.....if they're even underdogs that day. I am genuinely concerned the Wolverines could keep MSU's O in check and pull off a 24-21 type win. If it's a shootout MSU should prevail. UM should score 20+ points without any trouble. Can they hold down MSU's O? Very, very possible as Cook et al have looked fairly pedestrian to me. Our D is definitely pedestrian.

Again...side by side UM was the much more muscular team last Saturday. Good luck.

 

[St. Joe Blue 3]

AGP Mr. Spartan.

 

[Reality Man]

I am not into the stars. Remove the stars...is Green a top 10 program type rb. Isn't he 4th string. Isaac who I like was down the depth chart at USC. These guys are more like average type rb's. Would they be ranked that high right now by the recruiting services?


Reality Man

 

[DrCorona]

Mr. Spartan....You should handle Purdue (but it won't be easy)??? Seriously?? If you DON'T handle Purdue easily then you may as well not bother showing up the rest of the season. Purdue may be the worst team in all of the power 5 conferences. They will NOT be hanging around!

 

[tarun262]

I am not into the stars. Remove the stars...is Green a top 10 program type rb. Isn't he 4th string. Isaac who I like was down the depth chart at USC. These guys are more like average type rb's. Would they be ranked that high right now by the recruiting services?


Reality Man

Isaac was a true Freshman and #2 or #3 on the depth chart - that's a bad thing? RBs generally are not starting as true Frosh unless you are the kid from LSU. He was loved at USC and still has skills. It's all about coaching Reality Man, I know you don't grasp that concept because you are a walking contradiction with every post. I can bet you that the combination of the 4 RBs we have right now are better then likely any 4 in the BIG...please feel free to name me a better group of 4 RBs and please don't say Golson at Florida State just because you love him even though he is not in the BIG nor is he a RB because I know your love fest for him. These kids were recruited because they had size and talent and you have seen glimpses of them being special but they have tons of lazy habits.

Feel free to reread my post 18 times if you want and read what I wrote. On paper, they have talent but it's not developed. If someone told you that 2 years ago that you will have Isaac and Green come to Michigan, both 5-stars rated as the #1 and #2 back respectively, what would you have said? We have NO TALENT??? They are talented kids just not developed. That is the reason I said we are not a Top 10 team or Top 20 IMHO but we certainly have the talent to get there. Seriously dude.

 

[tarun262]

I'm a true blue Spartan. Not trolling. I was in Boston last week and watched the UM and MSU games simultaneously on the big screen in the Copley Sq. Marriot sports bar. Michigan played hard that whole game. MSU played with little emotion and it wasn't until the 4th quarter that the Spartans really rose up and played with passion.
I'm convinced. Michigan is for real. With Utah dismantling Oregon in Eugene and UMs beat down on BYU I'm sure that MSU's win over Oregon is not nearly as impressive as UMs modest loss in Salt Lake City. Kudos to Harbaugh. UM looks decidedly better with much the same players as last year.

MSU should handle Purdue (but it won't be easy...Purdue can pass....can MSU plant their QB like they did CMUs in the 4th qtr last week? If not Purdue will hang around). Rutgers won't challenge the Spartans in 2 weeks. I can see the UM-MSU game being huge in 3 weeks. Right now I'd take UM and the points.....if they're even underdogs that day. I am genuinely concerned the Wolverines could keep MSU's O in check and pull off a 24-21 type win. If it's a shootout MSU should prevail. UM should score 20+ points without any trouble. Can they hold down MSU's O? Very, very possible as Cook et al have looked fairly pedestrian to me. Our D is definitely pedestrian.

Again...side by side UM was the much more muscular team last Saturday. Good luck.

Can't judge a performance one week over another. Athletes and teams can play drastically differently week over week. Is Oregon as bad as they looked last week - probably not, I think they were cocky going into the Utah game. Is Michigan as good as they looked against BYU consistently? Probably not. It all depends on the mindset, preparation and more so confidence. The later is a big deal. Right now, every player at MSU believes they are better then their counterparts at Michigan (whether or not it's true is irrelevant) while there is doubt in the mind of some Michigan players that they are more physical and better then us. If you go into a game without utmost confidence, your performance will reflect it. It all boils down to confidence and if Michigan can play with confidence, we will beat MSU. If we have any doubt, we don't stand a chance against MSU.

 

[ThatsMrSpartan2U]

taran262....I've watched all of Michigan's games and they look like they've gotten better each week. It was interesting because I was watching both games last Saturday...side by side...on the big screens in Boston. Michigan looked mean. MSU did not until the 4th qtr. Michigan looked real good. True, BYU was a better team coming in than CMU, but CMU gave Syracuse a game in Syracuse the week before...and BTW...the LSU-'Cuse game was right up there as well.....so it could be excused that UM had more "incentive" to play up to a decent opponent than MSU did. But 'Cuse gave LSU all they could handle too, so you are right.....week to week...lot's of factors play into the equation. CMU is not terrible.

And as to the Purdue comment I made. They throw it around. If MSU plays soft like they did the 1st 3 qtrs. vs. CMU, Purdue could score some points. I'd like to see a blow out, but am expecting something closer.

My compliments to Harbaugh, however, in getting UM ready to play anybody. That hasn't been true the last few years.

By the time Oct. 17 rolls around I suspect there will be no doubt in UM's mind that they can hang with the Spartans. Yes, Northwestern is coming to AA, but that will be a perfect tune up for the Wolverines. Harbaugh will not lose to Northwestern...no way. UM will be coming in with 5 straight wins. MSU will have 6 but not a big one since Oregon.

That 1st qtr in AA will be serious football. Looking forward to it.

 

[tarun262]

taran262....I've watched all of Michigan's games and they look like they've gotten better each week. It was interesting because I was watching both games last Saturday...side by side...on the big screens in Boston. Michigan looked mean. MSU did not until the 4th qtr. Michigan looked real good. True, BYU was a better team coming in than CMU, but CMU gave Syracuse a game in Syracuse the week before...and BTW...the LSU-'Cuse game was right up there as well.....so it could be excused that UM had more "incentive" to play up to a decent opponent than MSU did. But 'Cuse gave LSU all they could handle too, so you are right.....week to week...lot's of factors play into the equation. CMU is not terrible.

And as to the Purdue comment I made. They throw it around. If MSU plays soft like they did the 1st 3 qtrs. vs. CMU, Purdue could score some points. I'd like to see a blow out, but am expecting something closer.

My compliments to Harbaugh, however, in getting UM ready to play anybody. That hasn't been true the last few years.

By the time Oct. 17 rolls around I suspect there will be no doubt in UM's mind that they can hang with the Spartans. Yes, Northwestern is coming to AA, but that will be a perfect tune up for the Wolverines. Harbaugh will not lose to Northwestern...no way. UM will be coming in with 5 straight wins. MSU will have 6 but not a big one since Oregon.

That 1st qtr in AA will be serious football. Looking forward to it.

That is why the game is played. On paper Alabama should have destroyed OSU, did not happen. On paper Baylor should have destroyed MSU, did not happen. You can't really tell by watching games side by side - so much goes into games. Different conditions, teams, days, locations, etc. I will give you this - Michigan should, on paper, be more competitive against MSU this year. No question in my mind. I don't see MSU coming in and having 19 sacks against our QB and allowing -5 rushing yards like the past few years. I also don't see MSU's O'line basically pushing around our defense by the 4th quarter and having 8-9 minute drives because our D is completely worn out. Now whether being more competitive is enough to beat MSU, I have no clue and that is why the game is played. In 2011 we beat MSU because of 2 main reasons:

1. It was at home - people forget that 3 of the last 4 games have been played @MSU.
2. Our defense constantly blitzed and MSU's offense could not do anything against us at all and that is why we won by 2 points I think.

Last couple years, MSU has been dominant on both sides of the ball for 4 quarters versus us. Should be a great game and I also don't want to get too excited about Michigan based on 1 game against a quality opponent. I am more concerned about Maryland and NW before I even start thinking about MSU.