In the tables below…St = Starts and App = Game Appearances.

QB

The Sitch: This is the magical unit in the Rodriguez spread style offense, but if you ask me, that’s an overused statement because it holds true in every offense. As the opener approaches, it’s becoming apparent that the coaching staff is feeling comfortable with the play of Denard, Tate and Devin. RR saying all three may play and that Devin will not be redshirting as he is mature enough both physically and mentally.

When I analyze these three guys, especially Tate and Denard, I have a hard time making judgments on what happens during spring and fall practice as opposed to what I’ve seen in games. The spring game is just too different from a game for me to fully put stock in the hype around Denard. No question, he needs to be on the field in some capacity. If you didn’t know, he’s kinda fast. If Denard is the starter and if he indeed does take the majority of the snaps, it’s because of the followings: he has a better grasp of the playbook, his accuracy / confidence throwing the ball is much better / higher, and his decision making is waaay improved as a product of knowing the playbook and having more confidence.

I live near Cincinnati, so I answer to a bunch of wannabe truck driver buckeye fans regarding why Denard is starting over Tate, Tate is transferring because it’s what they do in that family, etc. It doesn’t really matter, at all, who takes the first snap and first couple series against UConn. I agree with Angelique Chengelis that the Michigan fan base and college football world has made way too much of who gets the start.

What to Expect: Denard Robinson will be taking the first snaps against UConn – put that one in the bank. My best guess, after seeing all the interviews, press conferences, spring game, beanie bowl highlights, etc. is that Denard will get a 2-5 series leash before you will see Tate get in the ball game. From that point it’s a feel thing for Rich Rod – so whichever guy looks most promising up against UConn’s defense is the guy that is going to stay in the game. Expect to see Devin in the ball game if Michigan creates some separation on the scoreboard, but don’t put any coin on him seeing the field if this game is remotely close. RR will have to side with the guys that have more experience even if Devin is playing up to Tate and Denard’s level.

Running Back

The Sitch: Without a sure starter coming back, there’s a bit of speculation as to who is going to stand out and get the bulk of the carries when it counts. Both guys with some game experience will most likely get the first cracks at it, Mike Shaw and Vincent Smith. Smith is going to be used more between the tackles and Shaw on the outside. Smith has the shiftiness and some of that knack that Mike Hart had to always get a few more yards than you think he will. Shaw has really not lived up to his potential yet. He’s a guy with great speed, but lacks consistency and doesn’t have much power whatsoever.

The guy that a lot of people are ready to see is Mike Cox. Mike is a guy that has had good moments in clean up duty and is regarded as the best overall athlete of the group. Should Mike prove to be a gamer, he could add some real depth to this group and barring injuries, give RR a solid three to four guys to feel comfortable with in the backfield.

What to Expect: Vincent Smith is your starter against UConn, but Mike Shaw, Mike Cox and Stephen Hopkins are all very likely to see some carries. I look for Vincent Smith to emerge as the most consistent back on read option runs because of his ability to squirt through the big guys up front. Smith had no problem snagging 4 to 7 yards on first down for most of his touches against Ohio State last year – so more of the same is to be expected this season. Getting a 1,000 yard rusher out of this group would be great, but I don’t see it happening.

Wide Receiver

The Sitch: This is no doubt a talented group with a ton of game experience. One surprise that came out of camp was RR sticking Martavious Odoms on the outside. A move warranted by Odoms’ knowledge of the system and his physical nature. Stonum has had an outstanding fall camp and is primed for a breakout season (with a new vision thanks to some contacts).

Hemingway is a guy that has looked great at times, but can’t seem to stay healthy. It’s hard to expect a lot of him simply because he hasn’t really proven himself after two seasons being a starter going into the opener. I think he has the potential to be a solid contributor.

What to Expect: Stonum is going to have a big season on the outside as Michigan’s only real deep threat, not to mention his proven ability to return kickoffs. If Odoms can stay healthy, he’ll be a mainstay on the edge as his ability to block is critical for several plays going to the slot. If any of the young guys need to step up, expect Je’Ron Stokes and true freshman Jeremy Jackson to get their shot.

Slot Receiver

The Sitch: Roy Roundtree was straight up a receiving beast over the last four games in ’09. Roundtree is fully expected to top the group when it comes to both leadership and production. He’s a dude that is quickly becoming a favorite among both the local media and fans. Kelvin Grady looks positioned to also see more time on the field this season over last, but he is another guy that has yet to truly prove himself in a game situation. Perhaps, with a year under his belt of being fully committed to football he will be a better player and performer.

I think it’s fair to assume that Terrance Robinson might have a slight edge on Jeremy Gallon, but both guys have been highly touted and have a lot of talent. It will be interesting to see if one of these guys emerges and takes playing time away from Grady.

What to Expect: Homeboy Roundtree is going to have a great season. He’s shown great body control, ball control and route running ability and is a self-proclaimed hard worker and has said several times that he’s looking to play with that “Hard Edge”. Look for Grady to get his shot, with T. Rob and Gallon on his heels all season.

Tight End

The Sitch: As long as Koger and Webb stay healthy, this will be a strength for the Michigan offense. Koger has shown some flashes of brilliance, but has also been inconsistent. Assuming he’s matured as he is another guy that’s been in the system for three years now, Koger is a high-potential guy. While the tight ends aren’t used in the spread as much as in the pro-style offense, RR has said several times that tight ends are generally used in about 70% of plays. Martell Webb is a solid backup that brings some experience to the table and will see the field a lot this fall.

What to Expect: Kevin Koger to have a fantastic year, but he still won’t see more than two or three balls thrown his way per game. Michigan has so much talent on the outside and in the slot, not to mention the guys behind center, that the tight ends may get neglected a bit. Of course, the opposite may ring true, Koger and Webb might get more open if the slots and wide receivers are garnishing more attention from opposing defenses because of their success. Tight end is always a tough position to forecast from a reception productivity standpoint. Definitely a position of strength for Michigan this season.

Offensive Line

The Sitch: Finally, Michigan has an experienced offensive line under Rich Rodriguez. A lot of these guys have been in the program all three years and now have a boatload of game experience. Steve Schilling alone has started in 36 games out of 37 in his career at Michigan. David Molk might be the most important guy on this entire offense. Things really began to fall apart in 2009 after Molk went down once and then again in the Penn State game. You’ll find many people that feel Molk’s injury combined with Forcier’s shoulder injury were the difference of a few games last seasons.

You’ve got young guys like Taylor Lewan pushing older fellas like Perry Dorrestein and Mark Huyge. Patrick Omameh has looked great and performed relatively well when his number was called last season. The group as a whole is much bigger and stronger – they have been Barwis-ized so they have put on the muscle mass while maintaining their agility.

What to Expect: The O line will probably be Michigan’s deepest unit and it should be the key to an extremely productive offense. RR will be able to shuffle fresh legs in and out through the course of a game and should someone go down – there’s a quality, experienced back up that can step without the offense missing a beat. The collective starts of the entire unit from 2009 adds up to 37 – the experience gained, not to mention the strength and bulk gained in the offseason, all amounts to a group of guys that have had opportunities to grow and gel as a cohesive unit.

Below are some notes from Rich Rod’s Sunday morning presser:

• As some have speculated, Freshman RB Austin White is no longer on the team anymore. He was one of the guys that didn’t have his wings.

Coach Rodriguez

• The defense didn’t tackle well and Mike Martin has been the most consistent defensive player during camp.
• Vincent Smith is going full bore and he was generally happy with QB play yesterday.
• If RR chooses to use multiple quarterbacks, it’ll be “more by feel” than anything scripted. He will limit snaps of the quarterbacks more by mid-week.
• A smaller scrimmage on Wednesday RR will hope to have the projected two-deep and travel roster settled.
• On Troy Woolfolk – Hasn’t had surgery yet and it’s certainly a very, very tough injury.
• RR on the defense – “It’s not a true 3-3-5.” Criag Roh is now closer to 240-245 and was 225 or so last year.
• Freshman RB Stephen Hopkins will likely play and not redshirt out of the need for a big back in the lineup. More on the backs, RR says it’s going to be running back by committee. Says it’s hard to get them all in the mix and get them reps – but they all will see some time against UCONN.
• On the scrimmage – it was good, liked the QB’s, receivers but mentions some turnover problems.
• RR says Brandon Graham is a once in a lifetime kind of player. Not one guy can replace him on the team.
• Jibreel Black, freshman DE, will definitely play.
• RR on Ezeh – “he’s responded to the challenge.”
• RR says the team’s attitude is one of it’s biggest strengths.
• RR asked once again about the pressure of succeeding this season and says it’s the same every year, but there’s an obvious sense of urgency because of the last two years.
• On kicking – much more comfortable than a few weeks ago and Hagerup is a real talent at Punter.
• Marvin Robinson, Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, Terrence Talbott, Carvin Johnson, and Ray Vinopal all have a chance to play this year.
• Most guys have their best season as seniors – if that is the case this year then RR feels Michigan will be ok on defense.

Notes from Other Coaches

• Dews on Woolfolk – “we can’t sit around and feel sorry for ourselves because nobody else will”.
• Fred Jackson had great things to say about Stephen Hopkins, “very good football player” “great feet” can play FB or TB. Goes on to say “before he’s done here, he’ll be another Chris Perry. But I don’t know if Chris was ever 230lbs”
• Greg Robinson has high praises for Jonas Mouton and his progress.
• Coach Rod Smith – Forcier was probably most suited, coached, worked before coming to Michigan. More mechanic work for Denard, Gardner.
• Coach Rod Smith – Didn’t bring Devin Gardner here to redshirt — to compete for the (QB) job and the biggest thing he is pushing with Denard is his decision-making.
• Coach Rod Smith – Doesn’t want QB’s looking over their shoulders, but wants them to feel the heat. Says it doesn’t matter if one guy, two guys or three get the job done. Doesn’t think you need to have only one QB for team chemistry. Gardner may be the most athletic of the three QB’s.

Slight Scrimmage Video
Countdown to Kickoff’s video today covers yesterday’s scrimmage. You catch some glimpses but the field-level camera angle never lets you see too much.

And again, let’s not let this link fall too far under the fold. Enjoy.

Win Predictions According to 118 Readers
[Updated: 160 votes]

she does what she wants

EDIT: Figured I’d add this to the top of the page – you’ll enjoy this link of the now known Melanie Collins.

Holy damn man it’s been one hell of a wild second week for Michigan fans and players at fall camp. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a message board meltdown quite like the couple that have so damningly went down this week. First, it’s the rumor and story that Troy Woolfolk is very hurt and went straight from the practice field to the hospital to be treated for a leg injury. FARFIGNOOTIN!! Or, something like that. But, damn that is one guy that Michigan probably couldn’t afford to lose. It’s not the end of the world, or end of the season as most message board frequenters seemed to place it. But, in the end it just leaves you shaking your head. Damn.

Perspective Be Good Man!
So, what’s done is done and it appears as though Michigan is not going to be taking the field with any player of proven caliber in the secondary. This could (umm, will) be a big problem on the field, but for what it’s worth, it’s probably a good idea to take what little positive you can out of the situation. Troy is one of those guys that will step his game up in times of adversity. He’ll be a great teammate and more like a coach on the sideline, at practice and in the locker room. You have to feel for the guy – apparently he was in the greatest shape of his career and was amped up to embark on a great senior season. Luckily for Michigan and for Troy, he didn’t redshirt his freshman year. So he will be able to snag a medical redshirt – assuming he is out for the entire season – and come back strong next year.

Message boards definitely got out of control upon word of Troy’s injury. It’s actually quite hilarious, but man you have to maintain some type of perspective to some degree. Troy is one guy – and one guy doesn’t make or break your team. While his absence will no doubt be felt, rest assured this 2010 team is one that nobody has ever seen take the field before. Michigan will field an offense that may be stronger than any other Michigan offense in a decade – with maybe the 2006 offense being an exception – Henne, Hart, Manningham, Long, etc. So yeah it sucks, and if you frequent MGoBlog, it apparently warranted a relentless amount of dong punches and crys of WHHYYYY?!?! to the Angry Hating Gods of Michigan Football. Nevertheless, my expectations for the 2010 Michigan football season do not change because Troy Woolfolk will have to sit out with his leg injury.

Little side note – I don’t believe they’ve announced what type of surgery or rehabilitation Troy will have to undergo to get back to full speed. It could be out there – but all indications from the Michigan twitterers and mgobloggers of the world is that of nothing so far.

Message Board Meltdown – Take II
So, and it’s well documented by now, smokin’ hot Melanie Collins tweeted the following at approximately 7 or 8ET lastnight.

Very reliable source telling me Tate Forcier requested a transfer from #Michigan this AM. NOT yet confirmed, will update as I know more.

I’m driving as I see the post over at Mgoblog about Tate possibly transferring. Let’s just say that it probably wasn’t too safe to be driving around me at that time – I was apparently more interested in the rumor than I was with preserving my own life. Fortunately, it wasn’t too long after that where Mike Forcier indirectly told the world that the rumor had no merit to it and he wouldn’t endorse the idea of Tate transferring.

The Days of Old.
I have to admit that, while I’ve always been a huge Michigan fan, I’m much more in tune and into the daily media binge while the team is at camp and preparing for the season. I think it’s that way for all fans – as great blogs have only been around for a handful of years. I can remember hearing about Drew Henson’s broken foot on ESPN. Or, in 2004 when Chad Henne and Mike Hart were two guys nobody really even knew about before the season got underway. I must say, I do enjoy seeing the press conferences with Coach Rodriguez and the players – and the snippets of practice that we get from the Countdown to Kickoff videos – but let’s face it – it’s stressful as hell! The days of old were when you found out your two-deep depth chart the week of the game and went to identify who was who during the pregame warm ups of the home opener no longer exist. Nowadays, more notably in 2009 and 2010, NO NEWS IS DAMN WELCOMED IF YOU ASK ME!

Smoke at the Peak of your Buzz.
You know, when you are finishing up your tailgate and/or heading towards the stadium – because the smoking ban goes into effect this year and you can no longer smoke anywhere in the stadium. WSJ Article.

CNNSI Article on Michigan football.

Quickly – On JT Turner…
I’ve gotta say – while a lot of fans felt as though JT Turner’s departure was that of grave significance to an already inexperienced secondary – I’m telling you right now it has virtually no impact on this year’s team. There’s a reason that the highly touted, #1 player to come out of Ohio in his recruiting class, didn’t see the field last season when Michigan’s secondary needed help badly. And they needed help in the worst way. It’s simply a case of a highly touted recruit not living up to the hype that was created amidst the duration of his recruiting phase. Here’s a decent article from Michael Spath at Rivals – who points out that the media and general fan perception of the player attrition during the Rich Rodriguez era has been largely blown out of the water. Snippet:

Since Rodriguez was named U-M’s head coach in December 2007 a total of 16 Wolverines to have set foot on this campus are no longer with the team – again either forcibly removed or having chosen to leave on their own accord. Of those 16, which include high-profile names such as quarterback Ryan Mallett, offensive guard Justin Boren, tailback Sam McGuffie and, most recently, Turner, only three count as Rodriguez recruits. The rest were originally offered scholarships by former coach Lloyd Carr for fits in his schemes.

And goes to say…

What does this all mean? Well, it should take ammunition out of the hands of those loading up on even more criticism of Michigan’s current boss. Certainly, his 2+ seasons at U-M should not go unscathed but be sure to know the facts before you start firing misinformed cannon balls. And in this instance, any such claims that he’s running off players or cannot keep players happy are misguided.

Friday’s Full Pads – See it if you must…
Pics from today’s practice.

Earning Your Wings? …
I haven’t really gotten the full scoop on this, but apparently some players have to “earn their wings”. You can see Tate in this picture on the right has an all blue helmet – no wings yet. Could be something interesting developing here…Click the picture if you want to see it larger. EDIT: 30 seconds of research yields indications that Tate’s helmet had wings all week – and the fact that he doesn’t today means absolutely nada. Neat.

From the Big Ten Crew…
This is from BTNBrentsBLogs Twitter page.

• Dave Brandon was at practice to observe this morning
• Devin Gardner can’t put a pass in the wrong place here early on. Rapid fire drill, he’s on the money with everything
• Vladimir Emilien just made a bone-crushing hit on a 1-on-1 drill. The entire defense celebrated the hit
• Gardner definitely looks like he could get snaps. He’s very impressive, but Denard has improved as a passer quite a bit
• One thing’s for sure Michigan coaches are very intense and vocal
• Denard Robinson looks like a completely different passer. Add the threat of pass to his running ability, and Michigan could give d’s fits
• Roundtree on how he’d define success this year: “Everybody playing for eachother.”
• Mike Martin on difference between this year’s defense: “I think we’re a lot closer.”

Oh yea. I had to post this picture of Ohio State’s J.B. Shugarts. Man, dude needs to grow some facial hair or something – might be giving people the wrong impression with that look!

Michigan’s 2010 squad is a unique product and nobody really knows what to expect out of this team and this coaching staff. This isn’t 2008 or 2009, right, it’s the 2010 season. You’re best off taking the little good from both previous seasons and moving on to something that will most definitely be better and more fun to watch. Hence, some renewed optimism is in order and serious hope that Michigan fields a team that fills up the win column a hair more aggressively than the previous two seasons. Massive turnarounds do happen – and it could happen with the Wolverines in this 2010 season. Should this be a massive turnaround, a complete out of this world dream season, here is how I see it playing out.

The Dream Begins…

Connecticut.
I see Michigan coming out in fine fashion as a riled up crowd enjoys the dedication game of the newly renovated Big House. Similar to last season’s opener, Michigan looks sharp in all phases of the game and it takes Connecticut a while to get anything generated on offense. My guess is that Tate takes the field as the starter and Denard is on the field in some capacity. After Michigan gets a couple scores on the board it only takes RR a couple series to put Denard behind center. It’s a glorious day at Michigan Stadium and a massive sigh of relief is felt from the Michigan fan base as a whole. Dream Record: 1-0.

@ Notre Dame.
I’ll go out on a limb and say ND picks up an opening win against Purdue. So both teams are fired up and ready to start the season 2-0. This is a close game and still has those WTF strange turnovers from both teams. Michigan goes through a second and third quarter lull that allows Notre Dame to get up by about a field goal. In the fourth quarter Michigan’s experience on the offensive line proves to be the difference in the game as Michigan keeps the ball on the ground for a couple late scores to seal the deal. Michigan ‘escapes’ with a huge win in South Bend to get the season started on a very high note. Dream Record: 2-0.

Massachusetts.
Michigan is feeling good after hurdling two tough opponents. The starters take off the first half of the first quarter before putting a number on UMass. Michigan’s starters are able to hit the sideline after the first couple possessions of the third quarter. Michigan wins in a blowout. Dream Record: 3-0.

Bowling Green.
The fear of the let down. No longer can Michigan ever overlook an opponent, especially a MAC team like Bowling Green. Bowling Green keeps it close for most of the game and loses any hope with some costly turnovers after a well-played first half. More of Tate and Denard splitting snaps with Denard doing his best to get the starting gig as it’s not settled after three games. More and more it appears as though RR will game plan and play either Tate or Denard in spots dependent upon the opponent. At any rate, the squad gives the fans plenty to cheer about on a great Saturday. Dream Record: 4-0.

@ Indiana.
Even in a dream season scenario, I still think Michigan has it’s problems with Indiana. Much like last season, Indiana’s offense has more firepower than most realize. Indiana is able to move the ball and put points on the board. Tate gets most of the snaps and Michigan is able to squeak out a nail biter – and once again, the Indiana fan base feels like their game against Michigan slipped right through their fingertips. Dream Record: 5-0.

Michigan State.
Dream season or not, Michigan State is not beating Michigan three years in a row with two coming in the Big House. It just ain’t happening. State talks a big game in the week leading up to the contest and it backfires on them. Michigan comes out fired up and lays the wood to MSU in a big way. Tate and Denard both shine as Michigan State’s offense struggles to get into any type of rhythm all day. The dream season continues. Dream Record: 6-0.

Iowa.
At this point, Michigan has garnished some national media attention for snagging their sixth win and a guaranteed bowl birth. They are ranked right around the 10 to 15 range – and a win against an established Iowa squad is sure to put Michigan in the top ten. Unfortunately, Iowa’s defense and ground game prove to be too much for Michigan to overcome. Michigan’s first loss comes on their home turf against the Hawkeyes in similar fashion to what went down a year ago at night in Iowa’s place. Dream Record: 6-1.

@ Penn State.
After suffering through the first setback of the season, this is where it’s clear that this is a different Michigan team than we’ve seen in the Rich Rodriguez era. Laying down and dying after a tough loss has been all too common over the last couple years. Not this season. This is a different team, a more experienced team, and a deeper more talented team. Michigan goes into Happy Valley as an underdog and shocks the Nittany Lion crowd in a great night game atmosphere. My guess is that Michigan puts up nearly 30 points and holds Penn State’s pedestrian offense to under 200 yards – a breakthrough game for the young Michigan D. Dream Record: 7-1.

Illinois.
With Michigan coming off its most influential win of the RR era – a rowdy Big House crowd cheers on a solid performance from Denard. Illinois puts up a great fight as there aren’t many Big Ten games anymore that aren’t flat out dogfights. This is another game the plays into the trend of Michigan pulling way in the latter stages of the second half via a defense that creates timely turnovers and an offensive line that proves it’s worth as games wear on. Michigan gets a big home win and shows that they remain focused and aren’t ready to give in to any type of letdown. Dream Record: 8-1.

@ Purdue.
Damn that Ross Ade Stadium. I don’t have great memories of Michigan playing at that place, but I do often remember Shazor the Razor’s vicious hit in the waning minutes as Purdue looked poised to at least get into field goal range and wipe away Michigan’s 16-14 lead. Michigan’s offense sets the tone in this game with a balanced attack that allows some of Michigan’s receivers to get into the action. Jeremy Gallon has a breakout performance and shows that he is a quality punt returner in this one. Michigan notches another victory as RR gets another rare Big Ten road win. Dream Record: 9-1.

Wisconsin.
For once, I think Wisconsin will live up to the hype they are receiving during the preseason. Usually, Wisky seems to beat up on their weak non-conference foes, snag a top ten ranking and then falter throughout conference play. This is a team that Michigan will struggle with because of their size and strength up front. While it will feel like one of those games that Michigan should win – and will most likely be favored in – Wisconsin escapes with a narrow victory. A disappointment absolutely, but it’s only loss #2 and the Wolverines will have a huge game the following week against the Buckeyes. Dream Record: 9-2.

@ Ohio State.
So Ohio State comes into this game with somewhat of a disappointing season as they’ve dropped a game to Miami and another unexpected Big Ten game. Michigan comes off a disappointing loss to Wisconsin, but spirits are high as they’ve had a great season. Michigan’s offense uses every inch of the field and really spreads out the Buckeye defense. In similar fashion to a year ago, the offense moves the ball well and plays a turnover free game – allowing them to put points on the board and pick up some early momentum. Pryor has a great game himself but loses a fumble in the fourth quarter that allows Michigan to get that last score they need to go up nine – a difference that Ohio State is unable to overcome. The win makes it a great, unbelievable turnaround season for the Wolverines and positions them for a BCS bowl at large bid (damn Wisconsin wins the Big Ten title). Dream Record: 10-2.

The Odds of The Dream Happening?

After the last two seasons, it’s hard to imagine Michigan firing off a ten win season and beating Ohio State on the road in late November. BUT, you know you never know. Stranger things have happened. You can bet that at this time next season – the forecasts for this team will be sky high with all the experience on D and at the skill positions. Perhaps it comes a year earlier than expected? My my wouldn’t that be nice.

I’d give this about a 12% chance of happening. And that 12% is a number that came from an intense, highly analytical mathematical breakdown. Worry not my friends, it’s a whole new season and Michigan hasn’t lost a game yet!

With a clean slate in both the win and loss column – August tends to distribute rather overwhelming optimism and pessimism among fan bases across the country. Hence, I delve into the depths of the mere possibility of an absolutely terrible 2010 season for Michigan. If all goes wrong and the team can’t seem to pull it together. If there appears to be little offensive and defensive improvement, the losses will begin to pile up quicker than a Denard scamper.

The Nightmare Begins…

Connecticut.
This game has been talked about all summer as a very difficult opener for Michigan. Facing a confident team that has experienced success in each of their last three seasons. The Nightmare starts with Michigan struggling all day to move the ball consistently and the all too familiar upside down turnover ratio going against the Wolverines. Michigan winds up keeping it close but struggles all day and loses a close one. The fan base is uneasy after a not so stellar outing in the opener and the season begins at 0-1. Nightmare Record: 0-1

@ Notre Dame.
Notre Dame opens their season against a Purdue team that could very well beat them, so both teams could be heading into their second game feeling a hair desparate for a big win. I think this season’s game in South Bend will be a typical rivalry game – neck and neck with a few WTF type turnovers from each team. Should Notre Dame beat Michigan, Brian Kelly catches Michigan off guard with some play calls that Michigan simply isn’t prepared for. Michigan, again loses a close game for the second time over two September Saturdays. Nightmare Record: 0-2

Massechussetts.
Well, the 0-2 Michigan squad gets a breather at home against a team that even Michigan’s 2008 team led by Nick Sheridan would have eased by. Nothing feels better about the season even with a royal beatdown of Umass. Michigan wins by at least three touchdowns and the Michigan faithful limp on to another week of practice. Nightmare Record: 1-2.

Bowling Green.
The thought and fear of another loss to a MAC team is there, and let’s not beat around the shrubbery, it’s a frightening thought. Michigan looks less then steller and gives up way too many yards to Bowling Green’s offense. Fortunately, Bowling Green can’t handle either Tate or Denard as they split time (as we all know will happen regardless of who starts any particular game) and put enough points up on the board to make the win look respectable on the ticker. Nightmare Record: 2-2.

@ Indiana.
Last year’s win against the Hoosiers was one of those games that pretty much sucked to watch. At that point, Michigan’s defense hadn’t truly been exposed and the team showed it’s first real signs of the meltdown that would come as the season pushed on. Michigan will walk into Bloomington hoping to add another notch to the win column, however, Indiana has different thoughts in mind. The Indiana offense again abuses Michigan’s defense and a couple costly Michigan turnovers gets Indiana enough on the board to stave off a late Michigan rally led by Forcier. Nightmare Record: 2-3.

Michigan State.
At this point, Michigan fans are ready to throw Rodriguez to the streets as the preseason optimism lingers in fans minds and all wonder if it’s possible to get this thing turned around. Afterall, it’s still early October with a lot of season left to be played. Michigan puts together a solid performance for the first time this season and takes full advantage of a couple early Michigan State blunders. Michigan gets its hopes back up after their best game of the season. Nightmare Record: 3-3.

Iowa.
Iowa enters the Big House on a roll with an unblemished record and a top ten ranking. This game will be much like last years, where Michigan competes but is never really out front and never really looks as though they are better than Iowa. While it’s a good game, Iowa’s defense proves to be too much for Michigan to ever establish anything positive on the ground – Iowa’s offense does enough to get 20+ points on the board by chewing up yardage and the clock with a solid ground game. Nightmare Record: 3-4.

@ Penn State.
Michigan comes into the game with a proclaimed renewed focus after a solid week of practice. Much like many of the games in 2009, Michigan can move the ball and the offense looks great at times, but as the game progresses Penn State seems to be the more dominant team. Michigan does not produce any big plays and it’s inexperienced kicking game misses a couple key field goals. Michigan leaves Happy Valley quite discouraged as it seems like this was just another one that slipped away in the latter stages of the game. Nightmare Record: 3-5.

Illinois.
With the season looking a lot like 2009, Michigan’s chances of getting to a bowl game seem to be less and less likely as the losses pile up. A Juice-less Illinois team strolls into Michigan Stadium hoping to get a big win as Illinois is having a terrible season. Michigan plays up to par as they did against Michigan State earlier in the season and gets another solid, turnover-free performance out of all three units. Michigan still is hopeful to get to a bowl game and finish the season on a high note. Nightmare Record: 4-5.

@ Purdue.
What the hell is it about Ross Ade Stadium – because over the years Michigan has really struggled to come out of there with wins. Just this week, the Big Ten Network was playing the 2000 game, where a Drew Henson / David Terrell / Anthony Thomas led offense blew a 28-10 lead against the Drew Brees led Boilermakers. Much of the same to be expected here, a high scoring affair that leaves Michigan with a sour taste and rotten bus ride back to Ann Arbor. Some Purdue player is sure to have a career defining game. Michigan goes down. Nightmare Record: 4-6.

Wisconsin.
Wisconsin comes in not living up to the preseason top fifteen type expectations everybody set in August. That being said, Wisconsin takes advantage of some sloppy quarterback play from Michigan as a frustrated Rodriguez shuffles both Denard and Tate in and out of the game – hoping one of them will perform. Michigan loses a stinker and a low scoring game on a dreary November day. Bowl hopes again – dashed. Nightmare Record: 4-7.

@ University of Ohio State.
Well, once again Michigan is faced with a “well if we beat Ohio State down in Columbus it will almost make up for everything that went wrong all season.” As nice as that sounds – it ain’t happening. Ohio State is too solid in all three phases of the game and the game is almost a direct repeat of 2009. Michigan moves the ball, but doesn’t have enough firepower to look like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. Nightmare Record: 4-8.

The Odds of the Nightmare Happening?

There is about a 8% chance the season plays out this way. While I won’t totally discount it, and using history as a guide, Michigan should at the very least be on par with last season and most likely show marked improvement. BUT, you never know, as we thought the seasons and product on the field were mere impossibilities before the 2008 and 2009 seasons actually happened.

Worry not my friends. ANYTHING can happen – but I don’t foresee the Nightmare becoming part of our reality in the near future.

Connecticut received enough votes to fall 33rd with Notre Dame coming directly after at 34th.

We all love the rankings when our team is in part of the party. Unfortunately, Michigan has been ranked sparingly over the past couple seasons. Last year, Michigan popped into the top 25 after beating Notre Dame and going 4-0 – and we all know how that played out. Michigan will need to win it’s first five games in order to show up in the rankings in 2010. Should they beat Connecticut, Notre Dame and win at Indiana – they will have a perfect record going into two tough home games against Michigan State and Iowa.

Lastly, I have to be honest. I could give a shit that West Virginia has trouble with the NCAA now and everyone wants to point the finger at Rodriguez again. How about the University of Michigan and their football team start practice next week, get the meeting with the NCAA committee out of the way on August 13th, and go win some football games. As we’ve seen in the past – winning cures all – and it will in 2010.
]]> http://mgofootball.com/2010/08/06/usa-today-pre-season-poll/feed/ 0 http://mgofootball.com/2010/08/04/6-things-to-look-forward-to-in-2010/ http://mgofootball.com/2010/08/04/6-things-to-look-forward-to-in-2010/#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:30:28 +0000 Mike P. http://mgofootball.com/?p=1619 I’m down with 10+ wins this season, but you are only fooling yourself if you think Michigan can jump from three in 2008 to five wins in 2009 to 11 wins this season. The marked improvement on both sides of the ball and on special teams is what I’m looking for and what I’m most excited about. Players like Jeremy Gallon and Terrance Robinson. New recruits that will no doubt see time on the field.

Here are six things to look forward to in this 2010 season regardless of your love or hate towards RR, your disdain for the spread offense, or your general negative attitude towards the Michigan football program in its current state…

1. A new era for Michigan Stadium. If you love all things college football and Michigan is your team, then no doubt do you love the Big House. It’s it’s latest form, this season kicks off the output of money well spent. Officially, Michigan Stadium now holds a capacity of 109,901 fans. Since I’m not going to be frequenting any of the boxes anytime soon – I’m also going to enjoy, hopefully, shorter lines to the bathrooms. I don’t want to have any more accidents in that stadium. Damnit.
2. Experience, Yessss... Well well well what do we have here? You mean to tell me that the same players AND coaches are returning for a consecutive season? My goodness. It’s true indeed. That alone will give this team confidence and afford them the opportunity to gel into units that function and execute as they are intended and trained to do. This is the first time in Rich Rod’s tenure that he is returning a starting quarterback. This is the first time the defense gets year two with it’s (essentially) coaching staff in place from the previous season.
3. Another fall and another season. Need I say more. Autumn leaves, crisp air, hoodies, tossin’ the rock around, tailgating, brats, beers, friends, family, cornhole, the Victor’s lot, the Victor’s walk, 3:30 games, and on and on it goes. For me, it gets no better than the fall and there is no better atmosphere than the buzz of a college football campus and environment.
4. Potential break-out players will, well, break out. This team is stocked with second and third year talent that hasn’t seen the field yet. There are a whole mess of players like Jeremy Gallon, Terrance Robinson, Cam Gordon, Mike Cox, Fitz Toussaint, and Justin Turner that could make a huge impact on this team. Same goes for several incoming freshman that are sure to see the field in extended action. So don’t discount the players that RR has recruited and doled out a redshirt.
5. A momentum storm in Ann Arbor unlike any before….If the wins come. Collectively, this fan base is so freakin’ thirsty for a successful season, not just a few wins here or there, but something that is put together over the course of twelve weeks and an entire season. Even if Michigan finishes with 8 wins that is enough improvement to warrant crazy momentum going into what could be a highly ranked Michigan team going in to the 2011 season.
6. You’ll run into some wonderful people at the Big House!



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