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Posted on Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 2:12 p.m.

Publication says Michigan football will win the B1G in 2012, but won't be as good as Ohio State

By Nick Baumgardner

The hype surrounding the 2012 Michigan football team has been burning hot ever since the 2011 squad left the Sugar Bowl victorious.

Athlon Sports, a college football preview magazine, contributed to the Wolverine hype machine this week by picking Michigan to topple Wisconsin in the 2012 Big Ten Championship Game.

There's just one catch, though.

Michigan might be Athlon's choice for Big Ten champion -- but its not the magazine's pick for the league's best team.

That'd be Ohio State.

Athlon predicts the Wolverines to finish the season with an 11-2 record, a 7-1 mark in Big Ten play and a victory over the Badgers in the conference title game.

The publication doesn't break down game-by-game predictions, but does list Ohio State at 11-1 overall, 7-1 in conference play. But, because OSU isn't eligible for postseason play next year, the Buckeyes don't make Athlon's title-game prediction.

Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Athlon predicts Nebraska to finish 10-2 (6-2), Michigan State to finish 9-3 (5-3) and Wisconsin to go 9-4 (5-3).

Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.

Comments

Tru2Blu76

Sat, Jun 16, 2012 : 5:55 p.m.

I too agree that predicting outcomes this early in the year is ridiculous. Michigan, I think most agree, should be a better team overall because DRob's class will be leading, and they'll be accustomed to the Hoke-Borges-Mattison scheme. But is "better" good enough to battle through their tough schedule? MSU: always wants to be the spoiler but they're only sporadically successful. I think the likeliest scenario is for Sparty to lapse back into their traditional (and logical) 2nd-tier position. Ohio: the toughest to call. Meyer at this point is just as much a guessing game as Hoke was when he first arrived, despite that Meyer is far better known. Who knows, maybe Brady Hoke is the next Urban Meyer? We all know: coaches' records are significant but it's always been a case of "what have you done for us lately - HERE?" Bama: another team riding its reputation. Well - Michigan is back and so is THEIR reputation. Defending national champion is not an enviable position to be in. The Wolverines get first crack at busting Bama - that's a good thing, right? Go Blue! Dominate in 2012!

Tom

Sun, Jun 17, 2012 : 1:52 p.m.

The only thing that Michigan will "dominate" at the end of 2012 will be the "most over-rated" discussion. There is no threat!

Steve McQueen

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 10:16 p.m.

There is NO way Ohio is going 11-1 with that team. Yes, they will be a decent to good team...and they do have talent...but there are massive holes in Ohio's team... not enough playmakers on Offense at the RB and WR positions and the back end of the defense is a mess. Michigan will roll them in C Bus.

Tom

Sun, Jun 17, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.

I agree. Probably 8-4. They will beat Michigan in Columbus.

Hailmary

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.

So ted and SEC, when you go to Michigan games where do you sit with your season tickets, student section or fan ?

Hailmary

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 6:06 p.m.

Let's see, Athlon Sports, Blue Marker, Athlon Sports, Blue Marker, Athlon Sports, Blue Marker, Uh, Duh, Uh, I think I'll go with.........Athlon Sports !

Blue Marker

Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 12:44 p.m.

I'll look forward to eating my DQ double in front of you!

happyguy1

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.

Ohio State has a new coach who is implementing a new system yet somehow they won't take a step back or at least stay where they are? Give me a break. On the other hand, Michigan: 1) Will be better acquainted with its offensive and defensive schemes 2) Has a majority of offensive players returning 3) Has two Heisman hopefuls including one player on the short list of favorites who also happens to be an experienced senior 4) Had one of the best defenses in the nation last year with the majority of defensive starters returning 5) Has two or three true freshman who may very likely make an immediate impact 6) Has an offensive coordinator who has coached an offense (Auburn) to a perfect season and who has beaten Nick Saban more than once 7) Has a defensive coordinator who has a national championship under his belt, 8) Has a head coach who led lowly Ball State to a top 15 ranking and resurrected San Diego State from the depths See, no fight songs, just the facts. Funny that SEC Fan asks Michigan fans to provide rationale for why they believe Michigan will have a successful, but provides no rationale for why he doesn't believe that Michigan will fall short. I live in the South, so I'm used to the hypocrisy of "SEC Fans" but it would be nice if they worked just a little bit at providing some rationale for their assertions.

Tom

Sun, Jun 17, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.

) Will be better acquainted with its offensive and defensive schemes - It may help; can't hurt. 2) Has a majority of offensive players returning - No passing game. 3) Has two Heisman hopefuls including one player on the short list of favorites who also happens to be an experienced senior - Not a chance in the world that these guys get any serious Heisman consideration. A QB who can't throw the ball and a good; but no great RB...LOL! 4) Had one of the best defenses in the nation last year with the majority of defensive starters returning - The defense is soft. Lost 3 starters on the D-Line. Outgained 2:1 in Virginia Tech game. Played well vs. Nebraska but no other significant performances. 5) Has two or three true freshman who may very likely make an immediate impact - Like most rebuilding teams do. A non factor. 6) Has an offensive coordinator who has coached an offense (Auburn) to a perfect season and who has beaten Nick Saban more than once - Used to coach for DiNardo at Indiana. Nuff said. PPG in 2011 same as 2010. Top 2 returning WRs combined for 2 catches and 10 yards in the Splenda Bowl. 7) Has a defensive coordinator who has a national championship under his belt - The "genius" of that defense was Charlie Strong (now HC at Louisville) , 8) Has a head coach who led lowly Ball State to a top 15 ranking and resurrected San Diego State from the depths - Was 47-50 in the WAC and the MAC. LOL! Your "rationale" is ridiculous! Where's the threat?

Hailmary

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 6:14 p.m.

Happy, even though I don't think those 2 guys are Heisman material I do think they are both darn good and with a good team effort win most of their games this year, 3 losses max.

RocknRolla

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 4:20 p.m.

@ HappyGuy. Yeah, I wanna split hairs. I don't see how any of these "facts" can be directly translated to Wins or a successful season. I believe UofM is a couple seasons away from getting to a point where they are stocked with enough talent/bodies to be seriously considered, year in year out, as a contender for the B1G Champs. Their 2-deep roster is thin. Good season last year, a lot of things fell into place, helping the team overachieve. I have a hard time seeing a repeat this season, even taking into consideration all the "facts" you listed

happyguy1

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.

@RocknRolla, Nice to know you can split hairs. I'll give you that #5 is an opinion. As for #1, it is not an opinion to state the players will be better acquainted with the offensive and defensive schemes. They will be in the schemes a second year--thus they will be better acquainted with the schemes. As for #4, sure it's arguable as to what constitutes "one of the best" (top 20?, 15? 10? or even top 5 for that matter). Most folks draw the line at 25 (i.e. top 25 rankings). As to your asserting about not knowing anything until the games are played--talk about an obvious observation. Such profundity. Most fans derive a certain amount of enjoyment from speculating about the seasons of their teams as well as their opponents. So what? Finally, my statement at the top about Ohio State having a new head coach and system certainly could have been said about Michigan and it would have been a reasonable statement. In fact, most Michigan fans expected to have an "average" year for 2011. The reason why Michigan stood out is that it bucked the usual trend and overcame coaching and scheme changes. Let's not resort to using the exception as the rule.

RocknRolla

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.

@ happy guy, "just facts"? I feel like I should help you out a bit by pointing out the "facts" in the 8 points you listed. 1.)opinion 4.)I could argue otherwise as the D was not top ten (which would be considered BEST) 5.)opinion Also, what you said at the top could have been said about UofM last year, look how that turned out. Really, we don't know anything until the games are played. Who cares what this publication says. They put Michigan and Ohio State on the cover because their fan bases are crazy enough to buy into this junk, which sells their mag.

MRunner73

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.

WOW, you nailed it! Hail, yes...GO BLUE!!!

Dwayne

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 12:38 p.m.

Really struggling with the logic of that prediction. Michigan has a brutal schedule. Alabama @Notre Dame @Nebraska @Ohio State They win 3 of those 4 and Ohio is better? Looks like someone decided to write an article based on their post season eligibility (or lack of), but really didn't consider anything beyond that.

observer

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 10 a.m.

No big deal, just more to motivate, but does it seem as if most are in love with Urban Meyer......

15crown00

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 5:33 a.m.

We will see what we see.Project this:D Rob gets hurt in first game.Out for season.What then?2-10?don't think so.i say 8-4/9-3.lose to Alabama,OSU,MSU, maybe Wisconsin or Nebraska. With D Rob 8-4/9-3. without 7-5/6-6.

ted

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 3:16 a.m.

jhb

MRunner73

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 9:42 p.m.

There has been so much preseason talk, Las Vegas lines, etc. Most of these predictions fall by the wayside erly in the season. They just don't stand up in time. Brady Hoke stated that the second season will be the hardest. He and his staff will work every bit as hard as last season. There are two less home games in 2012. My hope, not prediction is that Michigan beats Sparty so as quiet down Dantonio. For the others, ignore all of these predictions, especially about ohio. Let's see how things shake out in September, October and then Novemeber. The race hasn't even started yet.

Scott

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.

Remember when Athlon, and 90% of college football publications, picked Nebraska to waltz into the B1G and win the Rose Bowl last year?

azwolverine

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.

Yeah, and didn't we slam them 45-17? Me thinks we did. Only time will tell if we do that to this year's favorite as well.

SEC Fan

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 10:22 p.m.

yep...and now count me as saying it this year! only time will tell.

ted

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.

Even as a Michigan man I would not hesitate to agree with their assessment. They know know their profession. We have gotten very good and will be better. However, Ohio St will surpass us this year due to their new coach and offensive scheme. I'm afraid that gap will grow even more the year after this one.

Yost Ghost

Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.

UM will drop some games this year since they have the 2nd toughest schedule in the country for 2012. They'll probably lose to UA, I just hope they can keep it close, and they may get caught by another team this season, possibly Ohio. Losing to Ohio in Columbus, depending on the score, doesn't mean that they're better. Remember 2006? The spread didn't work in the B1G and although Oregon has had success in the PAC-12 they haven't translated that into national titles. Many would say that RR offense showed promise but when you consider the output against better competition it wasn't all that impressive. I'm not talking yardage, I'm talking red zone scoring and turnovers. I see the gap closing and then widening in favor of UM. Just look at the talent being recruited by Hoke. Couple that with the understanding that Meyer was successful in the past primarily because of the DC's (Mattison/Strong) he had and Tebow. Compared with what he has now and I feel confident UM will make this a rivalry again.

azwolverine

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.

Didn't the RR backers always point to the Florida's and Oregon's of the world as proof that RR's system would work, though? For OSU's sake, that system better not be the same, because it was an absolute failure in the B10.

ted

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.

Its not the same

Blue Marker

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.

You mean the offensive scheme RR used to such perfection in the B1G?

Terry Star21

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 8:01 p.m.

You have to love all these predictions by the outside media. Fortunately we have a great coaching staff that knows how to handle any pressures and help educate our student athletes. You must laugh at the outsiders for adding their bit of humor though - too funny ! MgoBlueForTiM...no predictions, just America's best.

Tom

Sun, Jun 17, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.

Outside media? As opposed to Michigan shill media? Terry - Just what makes you a Michigan "insider"? You have a few tee shirts? Did you watch the Michigan offense get shut down by mediocre Virginia Tech? Anybody who watched that game with a critical eye understands that Michigan will be very vulnerable in 2012. Where did you go to school? A question that you refuse to answer that speaks for itself! You're nothing more than an "outsider" desperately wanting to be viewed as an "insider". Quite humorous. Where's the threat?

SEC Fan

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 7:33 p.m.

I'm predicting Nebraska wins the Big10 at 11-2 (including championship game). I agree with Ohio St at 11-1. MSU: ? 8-4. Depends on their quarterback, though. Their D will be as good as last year. If their QB is nearly as good as Kirk, then 9-3. Michigan: 8-4. I've got them beating MSU because it's in Ann Arbor and I don't know the QB. Again, if their QB can play like Kirk, then Michigan goes 7-5. The above is regular season. Let the mean comments begin...

lindsay erin

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.

Although it's hard to predict how Michigan will do, considering their sloppy playing last season and lack of a consistent QB, I think you're greatly underestimating the potential of the team if you think that they will end the season 7-5. I can't confidently say they'll win the B1G, however, if they play like they did at their best last year, there's a good chance.

SEC Fan

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 10:20 p.m.

@Terry. As I said. Frankly, from what I've seen here, if you don't say Michigan will go undefeated and win the national championship...ya'll start crying, screaming at everyone, and singing your fight song. Look at the comments here... Why Ohio St so many wins? Easy, the only difference between the 2010 and 2011 seasons for Ohio St. was the interim coach and turmoil of the NCAA investigation. That's all behind them. Has nothing to do with liking/disliking Michigan. Now, everyone here will disclaim that - saying it's simply isn't possible - while at the same time saying how wonderful Mr. Hoke was in turning that program around in 1 year. Regarding MSU's QB, I'm not dissing his credibility...I simply don't know enough about him to know guess how he'll do. I think Ohio St.s QB, while not the best, will be good enough to win with their schedule. Uban's offense is much better suited for Braxton (and also their receivers, especially Hall and Stoneburner). If you all think Michigan is so good or that my "predictions" are so bad, then please reason them out here! Don't start singing your fight song...provide some sound reasoning/rationale.

ThoseWhoStayUofM

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 9:10 p.m.

The credibility of Michigan State's quarterback is questionable but that of Ohio State's isn't? I'm pretty sure Braxton Miller was literally the worst quarterback in the nation last year... yet for some reason people think that Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes are omnipotent. Understand this, nobody expected Michigan to go 3-8 under Rich Rodriguez. Let the games begin.

Blue Marker

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.

So let me get this straight...you think 7-5 could be in the cards for UM but OSU goes 11-1? C'mon man! That's just pure hatin'! I could see Michigan going 8-4 but OSU 11-1? I think not!

ted

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.

Terry it is important that we, as Michigan men on this site are open to other points of view. I interject myself into this exchange , because as the figure head on this site its up to me to take charge at times. SEC fan please forgive Terry for his lack of understanding. He is a good Michigan fan and sometimes it is hard for us to handle being 2nd to OSU.

Terry Star21

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.

Why would there be any mean comments ? Most everyone on this site knows you have no credibility and no football knowledge by your own comments. You're on here for your humor and to take an unjustified jab at Michigan. Good job, you are funny !

nekm1

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.

Well, let's see, they haven't beaten MSU in 4 years. What makes anyone think they will PLAY in the confernece finals?

comradebones

Sun, Jun 17, 2012 : 1:24 a.m.

Who would've picked Auburn to win the National Championship a few years ago?

Blue Marker

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 6:39 p.m.

Athlon is not a good publication. I'll bet you a Dairy Queen double neither team finishes with this record. Michigan will be hard pressed to come up with 11 victories with their schedule and OSU is learning a new system. Athlon's honestly thinks there will be a 5 game improvement by the Buckeye's in 1 season?

heartbreakM

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 2 a.m.

Those who stay-- Correct you are!!! (Though I have been told that my mental capacity on a good day is about 3rd grade)

ThoseWhoStayUofM

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.

I'm just going to assume heartbreakM is being facetious so I can continue the delusion that the mental capacity of the average American isn't that of a third-grader.

RocknRolla

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.

what is a recruiting championship?

heartbreakM

Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 7:03 p.m.

Hey!!! They have URBAN MEYER. Just that fact alone is worth at least 12 wins, recruiting championships, and I don't even know if Ohio needs to practice.