September 1, 2007 will forever live in infamy. On that sunny day, 109,218 fans in Ann Arbor, Michigan were sent into a frenzy with one second left on the clock when senior Chad Henne connected with junior Mario Manningham for a 47-yard reception, putting the Wolverines just 37 yards away from dodging the biggest upset in football history.
But in that one second, the unthinkable happened. As the final score was broadcast across the country, fans were stunned that David had actually beaten Goliath. Corey Lynch blocked what would have been a game-winning field goal and Appalachian State became the only Division 1-AA team to beat a top 25 Division 1-A team.
On August 30, 2008, another upset could be in the making when the Utah Utes travel to Ann Arbor to face the new-look Wolverines. The Wolverines have a new coach, a new offense, and a totally new team.
It is going to take a while for the Michigan offense to gel, and the loss of Terrelle Pryor to the rival Buckeyes won't help. However, the offense is not the only reason the Utes have a good chance of beating the Maize and Blue.
The Michigan defense may need to reload, particularly in the secondary. The Wolverines return four starters to their defensive line, which is the strongest part of the team.
But the Utes run a spread offense, much like Appalachian State. The Michigan secondary will have two new starters at the safety positions next year.
The question surrounding this game is whether or not the defense will be able to step up against the Utes and give this offense a chance to win this game. The answer is no.
The Utes return a majority of starters from one of the nation's top defenses of last year, as well as a fine offense. Nobody expects the Wolverines to compete in the Big Ten, and for good reason. Don't be surprised if the Wolverines fail to win their first game in the 2008 campaign.
comments (3) write a comment »
write a new comment
3 months ago
I agree that Utah has a good chance to beat Michigan in Ann Arbor this August. It's only an upset because Michigan has a football tradition and a higher victory count than any school playing the game right now.
I think Michigan wins this game because of its defense and the new emphasis on pressure, forcing turnovers and sacks (Scott Schafer, see Stanford defense vs USC 2007 or Western Michigan defense 2006). I also believe the offense will be better than advertised.
The Wolverines return all 4 starters on the DL and Michigan is deep at each position. Yes, there are two new starters in the secondary, but all have plenty of game experience from the last two years with 3 juniors and 1 sophomore returning starter (Warren). Michigan's secondary should be much improved over 2007.
So the big question defensively for Michigan in my view is LB, particularly when defending the spread offenses of Utah, Illinois, maybe Ohio State this fall. While Michigan loses TFL master LB Shawn Crable and LB Chris Graham. Replacing them are an extensive caste of high-talent and high-experienced players in Johnny Thompson, a JC transfer named Austin Panter, Brandon Logan and a talented Obinna Ezeh. Freshman JB Fitzgerald (4star, 10th ranked LB in the nation) is predicted to get significant playing time as well. Jonas Mouton will also play some LB.
Utah's fortunes offensively will depend more on whether running backs Thomas Mack and Matt Asiata have a big day rushing behind Utah's NFLesque OL (Mack was 70% of Utah's offense last fall in yards gained and scoring). The outcome also depends somewhat upon which version of QB Brian Johnson shows up.
Brian Johnson as the next Wolverine-slaying Armanti Edwards (App State QB)?
Hmmm, not so much.
Unless you believe Johnson's 2006 personae will appear. And it might.
Johnson averaged only 1.8 yards per carry rushing last year and found the end zone only twice over 12 games. Johnson also struggled throwing. Great completion percentage at 67% in 2007, but he threw 10 INTs and 11 TDs. Oh, and as far as elusiveness and the NFLesque OL, Johnson was sacked 21 times last fall. 21! That's about twice per game. He passed for 167 yards per game. I guess this is the part we Michigan fans are all supposed to be stricken with fear. Can Johnson improve on 2007? Sure! Why, he's a senior and he's playing against Michigan. Let's put him on the Heisman trophy ballot!
Look, if Utah is going to beat Michigan in Ann Arbor it had better be by shutting down the new offense with their defense, which returns 6 Ute starters from 2007. Shouldn't be too difficult right? I mean Michigan has no QB (Steve Threet is a lousy 4 star, 13th ranked in the nation QB with no experience). Michigan's OL if lousy too with only Schilling with any experience. I mean you can ignore all that stuff about UM's lineman that have game experience and either 4 or 5 star earnings and being ranked within the top 25 in the land.
You're right. Final score: Utah 34, Michigan 32. This time - and you won't believe this - Utah blocks a Michigan FG in the waning seconds to....oh wait a minute. Nevermind.
3 months ago
Markusr2007 -- Great insight on Johnson but you must remember a few key facts about him. He played the year with a separated throwing shoulder and the offense was designed to limit his rushes therefore the 1.8 ypr average. Also, he was not a threat to throw the ball downfield due to the injury. Despite the serious limitations he was still 8-1 last season when playing the whole game. Johnson is now 100% and should return to 2006 form with a much more heady knowledge of the game (he injured the arm the first game of the season).
Johnson's knock in 2006, despite being 4th in the nation in total offense, was the fact that he was a true 18 year old SOPHOMORE and therefore not polished and subject to poor decision making. Not the case this year. Utah is absolutely loaded on both sides of the ball in 2008. While not near the level of 2004, when they could have bested anyone in the country, this is the most talented Utah team since UM left for Florida. This is very dangerous game for the Wolverines. The strong feeling is this is a toss up match up. Even money on the outcome.
Dave
about 1 month ago
wow! who called this?
write a new comment