Michigan football team has strong shot at BCS bid with win against Ohio State
Michigan football fans are quickly becoming big fans of the state of Oklahoma.
After all, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma are doing all they can to ensure the Big Ten receives an at-large bid to the BCS for the seventh consecutive year. And, if the 20th-ranked Wolverines (9-2, 5-2) beat Ohio State next weekend, they almost certainly would receive that selection.
Michigan football coach Brady Hoke and the Wolverines are in position to snare a BCS bowl berth.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
The Cowboys and Sooners both lost this weekend, meaning the Big 12 is in danger of losing a second BCS bid that at one point seemed certain for the league.
Oklahoma State (10-1, 7-1) suffered its first loss of the season Friday to lowly Iowa State. Oklahoma (8-2, 5-2) sustained its second loss in a thriller Saturday night against Baylor.
The pair meets on Dec. 3 in Stillwater, Okla. One of two things will happen: Oklahoma State loses, its second in a row to end the season, or Oklahoma loses, its third loss of the season. Either way, a two-loss Big Ten team likely would be preferred over either of those two scenarios.
Especially if that team is Michigan, because of its national brand, ability to travel and five-year absence from the BCS. It also is trending upward after a 45-17 thrashing of No. 17 Nebraska, and has a national story in first-year coach Brady Hoke.
Four teams are in the mix for a BCS berth from the Big Ten: Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Michigan. Each has two losses, but Penn State and Wisconsin play each other to end the season, meaning one of those two will have three.
The winner of that game will play the Spartans in the Big Ten title game, meaning one of those two will have three losses. The other will earn the Big Ten's automatic bid to the BCS.
That leaves just Michigan, provided it beats Ohio State, as the best bet to earn an at-large bid, likely either to the Fiesta Bowl or Sugar Bowl.
If that scenario were to play out, there's no doubt the Wolverines would become the biggest beneficiary of the league's divisional split this year. Without it, they would be ticketed for the Outback Bowl, at best.
Now, that's the worst-case scenario for the Wolverines.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Rufus
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:39 p.m.
Early in the year I wanted Michigan to play a weak team in a bowl game- I thought they would get slaughtered by even a middle of the pack SEC team. Now- I think they could beat all but the top SEC teams. One of the greatest coaching jobs in sports history- coach Mattison.
Dean edwards
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 10:54 p.m.
It's all about beating the buckholes.We have not won that game in so long it should be our bowl game to me nothing eles matters.Just beat that school down south and we saved the season.We already lost to littlle brother we will beat them next year,and the Over rated HaBITCHual Infraction Offenders GO BLUE
Chad Williams
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 6:57 p.m.
Lets stop with last year vs this stuff. Last year the schedule was tougher and the teams were better. Michigan has only played against two ranked teams, nd was not ranked at the time. Osu is not ranked this year and the nowl game is tbd. Nebraska was an excellent win but nebraska isnt wat it was 15 years ago. Hoke has done his job dont get me wrong but numbers do lie and the fact that comparing stats from teams they played last to this are a bit deceiving.
discgolfgeek
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
Too many people talking about BCS, OSU is still a team to be feared and respected. This is their last chance to salvage their season and you can bet they will be highly motivated. If we do play Oregon or any upper tier SEC team, we will (and should) be decided underdogs as we have improved a lot but still have a ways to go. Big Ten as a league has had a down year and we have benefited from playing that competition.
chiro19
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.
First and foremost michigan is 15th which is huge because of the teams in front of them playing each other. This means Michigan CAN qualify to begin with for a BCS at large. I think that some things need to happen for that to come true though. The first thing is LSU vs Arkansas game this Friday. If Arkansas wins the entire system is going to go bonkers! Second if Arkansas loses that means that they will drop to most likely 9 or 10. This would eliminate them from a BCS at large if Alabama gets past up by another team that wins their conference like OSU or Stanford. 3rd Vtech gets most likely Clemson in the ACC championship. Clemson is not a easy win and if Vtech loses I dont think they get an at large bid. So that right there is already 2 teams. I dont think Boise will be invited because of their loss. So thats 3, I dont think Houston will be invited so thats 4. I think OSU vs. OU loser is out (most likely OU so thats 3 loses) so thats five teams. I think Oregon is a lock to get an at-large as is bama. Predictions of BCS games- Title game- LSU vs. Vtech Rose Bowl- MSU vs. At-large (Oregon) Fiesta Bowl- OSU vs. At-large (Houston) Orange Bowl- At-large (Stanford) vs. At-large (Alabama) Sugar Bowl- Louisville vs. At-large (Michigan) Obviously a lot can still happen and Michigan has to win this Saturday! I personally dont think that OSU will score but thats just me. By the way I was also predicting a Michigan blow out of Nebraska. Their D was way to slow to hang around! Great game by Denard minus the one pick. That is the first time I have seen Denard make a great throw down field to a receiver in stride! Ohio is 118th in the country in the pass game. I think that Braxton Miller looks horrible at QB. This could be one of those games that Michigan wins by 3-4 touchdowns. I think it will be 10-0 at half and then the flood gates open. This is all based on Mich playing to its fullest like this last weekend which I think they will! Go Blue!!!
Ross
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 3:04 p.m.
Vtech for championship? You crazy, mang.
Brian Harris
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.
Given that Wisconsin is probably gonna beat Penn State, it wouldn't actually mean Outback was best case scenario, but worst case. If State beats Northwestern (not a given), they would win the conference outright and Wisconsin, Michigan, and Penn State would tie for second. Wisconsin would probably get the at-large because they're ranked higher and Michigan would get the Capital One Bowl for having a better record, being ranked higher, and more attractive than Penn State. Worst case scenario without the division split would mean Wisconsin gets left out of the BCS and Michigan would get the Outback Bowl. WITH the split, Michigan is probably between an at-large BCS bid and the Capital One Bowl. Given the current BCS rankings, there is no way State or Wisconsin survives another loss and remains higher than Michigan. Almost kinda messed up actually.
johnnya2
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
@DonZ, Actually late season losses SHOULD matter more than early season losses. They do in the NCAA basketball season as well. If a team were to go 30-0 and then lose in round one of the tournament, that IS a late season loss. The fact is the champion is the team who is playing best at the time. It should never be about who played best in the beginning of the season and get worse (we had three years of that at UM). If I had my choice the Big Ten would have each team play each other and then the division champs would be allowed the 13th game to play for the title. That would make a fair schedule and avoid seasons where one division may be a lot stronger than the other (as is the case in the SEC). Georgia won their division without playing LSU, Alabama, or Arkansas. The combined record of the teams they beat in the SEC is 12-39 and a 40th loss is likely when Auburn plays Alabama. If Auburn loses Georgia will not have beaten a team with a winning record in the SEC.
Terry Star21
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 2:32 a.m.
B10 already claimed - if Nebraska or Michigan win out, that team will command an at-large BCS Bowl. We're halfway there !
DonAZ
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 2:29 a.m.
@Brian - "Almost kinda messed up actually" That's one of the problems with a conference championship ... late season losses weigh FAR more heavily than early- or mid-season losses. If LSU gets past Arkansas this week but falls to Georgia in the SEC championship LSU probably falls out of the championship game, even though they'd only have one loss. Conference championships in basketball are far less significant with such a broad tournament field. Duke loses out to UNC in the ACC championship game? Lose #1 seed but it probably doesn't matter all that much. But if the tournament field as only 8 or 16 ... then it would matter a whole bunch. Football doesn't have a tournament (yet) ... but even when it comes it won't be a 64-team field. I'd be shocked if it was more than 8. Then losing a conference championship could knock someone out of the tournament.
umgoblue47
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 1:02 a.m.
#58ontheroster. . . thanks for your service to our country! GO BLUE. . . BEAT OHIOVILLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matt Patercsak
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 12:31 a.m.
as far as I'm concerned, beating Ohio State is the number one priority. and i know that's what coach Hoke is preaching to the players. Bowls, BCS, rankings, thats all fine. but lets not forget about 1993 and Tim Biakabutuka's upset over OSU. that season, was by in large a disappointment if you were to look at it from a record standpoint, BUT the fact that we ran all over OSU made that season, and that game, one of the most storied in this program's history. beating OSU would make this season complete. but we cannot underestimate them. we put points on the ball early and we don't stop lighting it up until time expires in the fourth. set the tone for a new era of Michigan football, where WE own Ohio. biggest factors in this game: 1: early scoring 2: fullback/o-line play (Hopkins vs Boren at the point of attack) 3: big plays (I want braxton miller shut down, but don't get caught peeking) 4: Time of possession (methodical drives, fitz between the tackles) 5: shut down Boom Herron (he is their only honest weapon. I'll take martinez over miller any day.) I'm headed to ann arbor early saturday. anyone recommend any local establishments to catch the game at? my girlfriend is 20 (I'm 22) so it would have to be a place that would allow minors. or one that only ID's when you order drinks Ill be the guy screaming, parading down main street screaming "free at last, free at last, thank god almighty we're free at last" --pants optional. GO BLUE!
Hebner
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 11:58 p.m.
Lets win this weekend first! We are playing a prideful program who is going to fight us tooth and nail. I think if we stay focused and play without turnovers we will beat ohio.
#58ontheroster
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
Let's all stop worrying about whether Michigan gets a BCS bid or not. Michigan still has the job of knocking ohio's dicks in the dirt and stomping on them. The bowls will work themselves out without our help. Never underestimate the enemy, but don't be afraid of them, either. I learned that when I played for Bo and when I was a Marine officer in Vietnam. Make them afraid of YOU. Make them worry about YOU. I guarantee that ohio is worried about THIS Michigan team. Outstanding defensive play is the difference.
Jarhead
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 6:08 a.m.
Welcome Home and Semper Fi! VietNam '68 to '69
DonAZ
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.
Bo was really just a fluffy cupcake at heart, right? :-)
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
It's kind of a shame but, a victory over a pitiful osu team won't gather a lot of BCS points. We will need to keep the opponents score below 14 and count more heavier on the other top teams to destruct and lose in the coming weeks. Then one of the four major BCS bowls will be a reality. Where the heck is Theo anyway ? MgoBlueForTeam........getting a BCS bowl and putting Theo on a milk carton
MRunner73
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:48 p.m.
The possibilities are great and there is already a lot to play for. The OSU poster is correct on this one; the buckeyes will not be in the best of moods. It will take a solid defensive effort by the Maize and Blue to slow down the buckeyes. The Michigan defense is number 2 in the conference in scoring, behind Penn State. We have that plus the huge home field advantage in this next game. As I said, I will not be overly excided until the 60th minute in the next game with Michigan in the lead on the scoreboard. Let's finish 8 and 0 at home, 10 and 2 for the season and THEN talk about what's next. A fun and exciting week is underway. GO BLUE!!!
Bill
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:37 p.m.
From what was said saturday at the O and PS game, the buckeyes are pretty banged up on defense. I think blue has a real chance in this game and at home really should help Go Blue
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.
Let's not put the cart before the horse. Athlete for athlete, Michigan and ohio are not much different than they were last season. The bucks, regardless of their record, will come to the Big House ready and Michigan is going to have to play their best game of the season to win.
Howard the Duck
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.
"Having Wiscy and MSU and Iowa and PSU remaining solid programs will bring the entire conference back to prominence and only then can we challenge the SEC as the best conference in college football." No, that just means we'll all beat the crap out of each other.
Wolverine_in_MD
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:58 a.m.
@azwolverine Agree with your initial post. Need to focus on "The Game" coming on Saturday. Nothing else matters this year. As far as UM (gotta love his initials) taking the reins at Ohio, I would welcome him with open arms to the B1G. "The Game" has lost some of it's luster over the past TWO decades. Michigan dominated when Cooper was at Ohio in the 90's; Tressel dominated us for his 10 years. This greatest rivalry in college sports needs to be competitive to remain relevant. Long winning streaks by either side diminishes the allure of this rivalry. Would be interesting to watch the recruiting battles between Hoke and company (especially Mattison!) vs. Meyer and his staff at Ohio. That would be almost as much fun as "The Game" itself! Of course I would LOVE for Michigan to kick Ohio's butt every year, but that just isn't gonna happen. We need to have both schools at the upper echelon of college football to raise the fortunes of a slumping B1G. Having Wiscy and MSU and Iowa and PSU remaining solid programs will bring the entire conference back to prominence and only then can we challenge the SEC as the best conference in college football. Go Blue!
A2nowDenver
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
No matter what, these rivalry games are always a toss-up. We better come ready to play hard, or suffer the consequences...
DonAZ
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.
@rightmind250 -- I think the odds of Meyer going to Ohio State are greater than 0 but something far less than 100. There's just too many unknowns about OSU's future hanging out there at the moment. It could be that Meyer is convinced to be the white knight and shepherd OSU ... and if he does, then good for him. Let's strap on the helmets and play football. @azwolverine -- I like Meyer. I think he found a royal flush in his hand with that championship Florida team. He capitalized and won ... good for him. But 2010 Florida proved he's no superman. The recruiting battle would even up like the old days. An additional concern would be his success recruiting out of Florida. That's a talent-rich state. Northern schools typically get second-pickins'. Could Meyer get 5-stars to go to OSU? If so, that could be a difference maker.
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 11:32 p.m.
rightmind, Urban is a great coach, no doubt. Where he would cause the most concern imo, though, is on the recruiting trail. Kids will want to play for him due to his track record. My feeling is that if Hoke can competitively recruit against him, he can beat him. Not every year, but it will be a year to year battle with neither team dominating the other, just like in the good 'ol days... By the way, whatever happened to Meyer wanting to spend time with family??? One year and he's tired of them already.
#58ontheroster
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 11:27 p.m.
Michigan has never lost to Urban Meyer. I'm not worried about ohio, no matter who their coach is. It's time they start worrying about Michigan again.
rightmind250
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:44 p.m.
If UM plays the way they did against Nebraska, they will be hard to beat. No dought OSU will come fired up, but they are in disarray right now. get it while you can boys, because the Urban Legend takes over November 27th.
The OSU
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 8:31 p.m.
KYLE: Your point is correct. In the bizzare, wacko, surreal world that is the BCS, Blue does have the best chance of any Big 10 team to gain an AT-LARGE berth to a BCS game. The irony is that the reason is because Michigan is not "burdened" in playing in the B1G title game and thus can avoid the risk of 3 losses. This again points to the fact that the system is broken. EVERYONE should play on Dec 10th. #1 Legend vs #1 Leader (for 1st & 2n place) #2 Legend vs #2 Leader (for 3rd & 4th place) #3 Legend vs #3 Leader (for 5th & 6th place) ect. At day's end, a 1-12 ranking evolves. Of course, all this is possible only IF you can beat Ohio State. That's a mighty big "IF." After losing to PSU at home, we're not in the best of moods. I understand the Flying Wing helmets have already been broken out of storage for the scout team this week.
robolion
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 2:39 a.m.
After losing to PSU at home you are a joke to the country and even to the rest of the mediocre BIG 10. This will be 2 victories in 2 years for big Blue over Oh Lie Oh. Should have been more based on the 0-9 Colts coach and his administration. At least USC with loser Lane Kiffin at the helm can beat ranked teams on probation. Nice QB play Bucknuts.
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:52 p.m.
Don't you love it when the osu fans monitor our sites - too good !
A2nowDenver
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
Though I'd love, of course, to see the boys in Blue in a serious bowl, I think we're getting just a bit ahead of itself. Let's beat Ohio this coming Saturday. The rest will take care of itself. Hoke's not only a heckuva coach, but they guy's got some of the best (and most understated) leadership skills I've seen in a football coach in a long time. Love the character he shows, as well as his focus on not only winning but on making these players better men. GO BLUE!
Wolverine_in_MD
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:46 a.m.
Based on the peformance of the coaching staff and the team the last couple of weeks, I would dare say that UM will be prepared for the game Saturday. Focus and execution will be needed. The team needs their best effort of the year. I'm optimistic the team is peaking at the right time! I agree with DonAZ. Cannot prove it, but there is no way Brady Hoke was Brandon's 4th choice. I think Brandon actually got input from Miles and Harbaugh about how well Hoke would fit into the program (especially when DB found out Harbaugh was holding out for the NFL) and never considered offering the job to either of them. Not sure who the 3rd choice would have been? (Fitzgerald from Northwestern?). Not much "luck" involved in that selection process. Coach Hoke is indeed a class act! Go Blue!
A2nowDenver
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 1:34 a.m.
Wasn't Hoke the original choice of Lloyd Carr for his replacement? I'm actually asking here - I'd heard that, but I'm not sure if it was true...
DonAZ
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.
@rightmind250 -- "UM got very lucky with Brandon's 4th choice" First, I'm not so sure Hoke was Brandon's 4th choice. I doubt Brandon has admitted to such. Beyond Brandon saying so, it's just speculation. Second, I'd object to the "luck" part ... particularly in relation to the "class act" part. That attribute of Hoke was well know ahead of time. Michigan is fortunate in the stars lining up for (a) Borges and Mattison to join him, and (b) the team buying into the vision so completely his first year. But aside from that ... I appreciate your general sentiment of acknowledging Hoke and what's he done.
rightmind250
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.
I have to agree with you. UM got very lucky with Brandon's 4th choice. Hoke is a class act. A better representative of UM then their fans or players ( Mike Hart ) have shown. He will show the way with the players and hopefully it will catch on with their nucklehead fans.
A2nowDenver
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 8:26 p.m.
...and that should be "we're getting ahead of ourselves". Any chance we'll get an edit button anytime in the near future? Or at least a 30 second edit window, ala Yelp Talk? Check it out...
Gsmith
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.
This is wishful thinking, big time.!!! There are normally 2 at large bids, but there will be three this year, because the big east does not qualify. The SEC, Pac 12 and Big 12 will all get one. Even if the Big Ten does have a chance with a bunch of upsets, it does not go to U of M.
GoBigBlue
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 3:01 a.m.
The Big East champion is still guaranteed a BCS bowl game regardless of ranking. Example was last years unranked UCONN team which was unranked but had to be taken by a BCS bowl.
Gsmith
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
The BCS does not have to pick a Conference champ if they are not in the top 16. It is up to the bowl game commitee
GoBigBlue
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 8:38 p.m.
What are you talking about? The big east is getting their guaranteed bcs bowl this year. Next year? Maybe not
RWBill
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.
Does not a team have to be in the top BCS 14 to get a BCS bid? There's no guarantee Michigan will be there even with a win over Ohio. Let's check the BCS ratings this week. These invites aren't done randomly, that's why they invented the "top 14" rule to keep out undeserving Notre Dame teams.
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:50 p.m.
Watch the ESPN -TV tonight @ 8:15, they will be there - for good !
jeff blue
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.
Dear Kyle, Great article. Michigan football has finally returned -- that was a long 5 years. We really should beat OSU. It would take some sort of fluke to lose to them at this point, but I am glad that we are at home. The most likely scenario is that Wiscy will beat PSU at Camp Randall next Saturday and probably quite easily. Then it will be Wiscy vs MSU in the first B10 championship game. Wiscy is likely to beat the Spartans this time around. Poor MSU, if this had been a normal year, they probably would have won the B10 outright and gone to the Rose Bowl. But, with the new championship game, they will be relegated to a much lower bowl game. Feel sorry for the Spartans?
garrisondyer
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.
I forgot to mention the other part of that bitter taste in my mouth: the NCAA's inconsistent definition of the word "indisputable". The misuse of that word this season has caused a number of questionable calls on official reviews. I can think of at least 2 that could have completely changed the standings in the Legends division.
garrisondyer
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 8:31 p.m.
Nope. I don't. Admittedly, I've got a bitter taste in my mouth still from that game, but my comment about this scenario for MSU is: "You win some, you lose some, no matter who you are and what the system is."
Joe
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 7:40 p.m.
MICHIGAN BEATS O-LIE-O STATE....then we go from there!!
rightmind250
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:37 p.m.
You are a very clever fellow aren't you. O-lie-o. I get it . Very intelligent.
Michigan Man
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
Michigan v. Oregon - Great Game - Fine with me!
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.
We'd stand a better shot this year than last against a decent team. I posted this in another topic ... reposting here because it's a fascinating tale of 2010 vs. 2011 and "split stats" ... From <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com" rel='nofollow'>http://www.cfbstats.com</a> ... they have a really cool "split stats" feature ... ranked vs. unranked, conference vs. non-conference, etc. An interesting comparison of this year to last: Scoring Offense 2010 vs. ranked = 16.5 points 2010 vs. unranked = 40.0 points 2011 vs. ranked = 31.3 2012 vs. unranked = 34.5 This year's offense not as good as last years? That 2010 ranked vs. unranked split is hard to ignore. Scoring Defense 2010 vs. ranked = 42.8 points 2010 vs. unranked = 31.9 points 2011 vs. ranked = 25.3 2012 vs. unranked = 12.0 Compare scoring defense against ranked (42.8pts) against scoring offense against ranked (16.5pts). Check out the month-to-month progression of scoring offense vs. scoring defense, 2010 vs. 2011: 2010 Sept ... Offense=41.0, Defense=23.0 Oct ... Offense=29.5, Defense=37.0 Nov = Offense=32.3, Defense=41.5 (67-65 Illinois game in November that year ... remove that and average drops to O=20.6 , D=33.7) 2011 Sept ... Offense=32.0, Defense=12.8 Oct ... Offense=37.5, Defense=16.5 (58-0 Minnesota game was in October this year ... remove that and average drops to O=30.6 , D=22.0) Nov ... Offense=30.7, Defense=18.3 The numbers seem to indicate the 2011 Wolverines are more consistent month to month and ranked vs. unranked. The offense/defense split in 2010 explains the late-season collapse and indicts the offense as being "potent" only against lesser teams.
Chad Williams
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 7:09 p.m.
Good post but numbers can be decieving look at.the ranked teams last year and this. Msu,osu,and wisc went 11-1 and only msu and neb were ranked when we played them. Michigan has been dominant against against the scrubs but they haven't played a top ten team yet. That being said the ranked teams last year were far better than this year hands down.
missionbrazil
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
DonAZ, here is a condensed version of your stats: 2010 - we sucked 2011 - Michigan football is back ! Go Blue !
Jarhead
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 6:10 a.m.
Good post Don AZ and thanks for the info and hard work!
RJ12688
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 6:08 a.m.
This is a fantastic post. Pretty neat to look at those numbers and see how they tell the story of the last two seasons. Numbers show no bias, just the facts.
zimmats
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 2:40 a.m.
also theo is wrong about the king but you gotta give props to a guy who writes football poems in perfect iambic pentameter...
zimmats
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 2:23 a.m.
thanks for those stats. our offense is more "ball control" oriented than last yr too, so it's even more telling that scoring is still on par. i really believe the offense as a whole is more consistent and sound this yr and your work bears that out.
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 11:59 p.m.
@Terry ... it's been a tough weekend of my good friend Theo: a) Two high-powered spread teams went down: Oregon and Oklahoma State b) Oregon was beaten by a drop-back pro-set QB c) Borges is showing remarkable flexibility in offensive design d) The arguments on behalf of "The King's" contributions to this year's outcomes are dropping like dominoes e) He and his brother are having a TERRIBLE fight about what to bring to their mom's house for Thanksgiving. It seems obvious to me: Theo should bring a bottle of Cristal Champagne, of course. I actually have a bit of a soft spot in my heart for Theo of late. He's wrong about football, but he's witty and articulate and that's okay in my book. e)
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 11:19 p.m.
Hey Don.....what happen to Theo ??????
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 7:31 p.m.
@Kyle ... I'd be honored. Double-check the stats to keep me honest ... I'm pretty sure I compiled that properly, but a second set of eyes never hurts.
Kyle Meinke
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 7:17 p.m.
There's some great stuff in this post, DonAZ. Mind if I use some of it for a future story? Thanks, and again, nice pull, sir.
knotch
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 6:21 p.m.
Blue whoops the 'hairless nutz'.... MIchigan need an SEC team. NOT the Duks.
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.
They may well pull Arkansas as their matchup. Assuming LSU beats Arkansas this weekend. That would be a really good matchup ... Michigan would have to bring its "A" game, but a win would be a really nice stamp on this season. BUT ... gotta get through OSU first.
Yeah buddy
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 6:19 p.m.
How about a Michigan-Alabama Sugar Bowl to end the year to set up their opening week match-up next year.
Chilltime
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.
Again Bama's defensive speed and toughness would be to much for Michigan.
rightmind250
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:36 p.m.
I don't think Denard wants to go into his senior season with a couple broken limbs. Sorry, but I think that could be a true disaster of a match up for UM. Bama linebackers are as big as UM's d-lineman
Dwight Lang
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.
How about an Oregon/Michigan rematch. Both are 9-2. Quack.
Chilltime
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 11:09 p.m.
Their speed would expose the defensive.
rightmind250
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:34 p.m.
I think that would be an excellent match up. It would realy be an indicator as to where this program is. The teams that have beat Oregon over the last 3 years have all won with strong defense. I don't think you want to try and out score them.
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.
The Ducks would be a tough matchup. They are beatable, but it takes a defensive line that can penetrate their offensive line and disrupt their plays. USC was getting into the backfield a lot last night. Also, Oregon has a pretty good defense to boot. A Michigan-Oregon matchup would be interesting. No sure bet for Michigan. Winnable, but it would take a pretty well-executed game on both sides of the ball.