Michigan Football Predictions

Cody Thomas — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:40:21 -0500

I know that the season does not start for about six months. But with the recruiting classes schedules finalized, I would like to make my predictions about what will occur this season in Michigan football.

The Wolverines season will come down to a couple of key factors.

Quarterback

Michigan has two four-star quarterback commits, Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson, in the 2008-2009 recruiting class.

I think that Forcier will get the start against Western Michigan because he has the speed and accuracy that RR needs to run his spread offense.

Robinson also has the speed and accuracy, but I do not think he will be that big of a passing threat. Whoever plays quarterback for Michigan will need to play well or this season will be just like last year.

Defense

Last year, Michigan was supposed to have one of the best defenses in the Big Ten, but Scott Shaffer, who to me is an idiot, made sure that did not happen.

It seemed like the defense was in nickel formations when they should have been in dime. By and large, they just looked confused all the time. They were on the field a lot because of the constant three-and-outs by the offense, but they still gave up huge plays when they should not have.

The defense gave up 42 to Ohio State, 48 to Purdue, 45 to Illinois, 42 to Penn State, and 35 to Notre Dame and Michigan State.

Running Game

Last year, it seemed like every running play that Michigan ran went for zero or negative yardage. I know the offensive line was inexperienced. Nonetheless, the lack of ability to pick up a couple yards and a first down on the ground really hurt the team.

Turnovers

Michigan turned the ball over at least once in every game last year. It seemed like the running backs just did not know how to protect the ball when they were running.

Several turnovers also occurred on special teams with muffed punts and kickoffs. Against Notre Dame, Michigan turned the ball over seven times, which is simply unacceptable.

If Michigan improves in these four categories, they will be a much better team this year than they were last year.

September 5th: Michigan versus Western Michigan

This game will set the tone for the entire season.

Western Michigan is a decent football team and could easily beat the Wolverines. I think the Wolverines will come out ready to play and to prove to everyone that Michigan football is back.

Michigan 31-Western Michigan 17

September 12th: Michigan versus Notre Dame

Notre Dame returns nearly everyone on offense this season. They have key playmakers in Golden Tate, Micheal Floyd, and Jimmy Claussen, who I think will step up and have a great season.

Michigan should be able to get some offense going with Notre Dame having just an average defense.

Michigan 21-Notre Dame 35

September 19th: Michigan versus Eastern Michigan

Michigan should easily win this game.

Eastern Michigan has a new coach this season and will be trying to figure things out. Plus, even if Michigan's offense is average, they will still be able to put up big numbers against a pretty bad defense.

Michigan 38-Eastern Michigan 7

September 26th: Michigan versus Indiana (Homecoming)

Last year, Indiana showed some offensive firepower in a few games and played relatively decently all year. Michigan usually does not lose on homecoming, but that doesn't erase the fact that they will have to contain an offense that uses a lot of trickery.

Michigan 28-Indiana 24

October 3rd: Michigan at Michigan State

The Spartans are always tough at home, but they will be without Javon Ringer, who was the key reason the Spartans' offense was good last year. Without him, I think they will struggle. Nevertheless, they still have great coaching staff that can fix a lot of problems.

Michigan 34-Michigan State 35

October 10th: Michigan at Iowa

Many people are saying that the Hawkeyes will win the Big Ten this year, but I don't think so. Shawn Green is gone, enough said.

Iowa will still have a very tough defense, but their ability to throw the ball is still up in the air.

Michigan 17-Iowa 10

October 17th: Michigan versus Delaware State

I do not think this game really even needs a breakdown. They are not the team Appalachian State was, not even close.

Michigan 49-Delaware State 9

October 24th: Michigan versus Penn State

Penn State usually has a difficult time beating Michigan, especially in Ann Arbor. Darrel Clark will be back for the Lions this year, and I think his leadership and experience will help a lot.

Michigan always seems to play well against Penn State, sometimes even better than they do against Ohio State.

Michigan 20-Penn State 31

October 31st: Michigan at Illinois

The Illini are a very dangerous football team. Juice Williams is a great QB, as he can run very fast and throw very far, something Michigan saw in last year's 45-20 homecoming blowout. The Illini are well coached, but will struggle on the defensive side of the ball this year.

Michigan 27-Illinois 17

November 7th: Michigan versus Purdue

Purdue has basically lost all of their talent and their head coach. I do not see them winning a game in the Big Ten this year.

Michigan 42-Purdue 10

November 14th: Michigan at Wisconsin

Michigan seems to always lose when they play in Madison and then win when they play in Ann Arbor. I do not think we will see another 19 point comeback this year, but I do think that it will be a very close game.

Michigan 21-Wisconsin 24

November 21st: Michigan versus Ohio State

This game will be much closer than last year's.

Ohio State has an amazing playmaker in Terelle Pryor. Michigan did a good job of containing his rushing attack last year, and I believe they will do the same this year.

The Buckeyes always had a tough defense, and I think Michigan's quarterback will struggle with the pressure. This game will come down to two things. One, Michigan's ability to move the football, and two, Michigan's ability to contain Pryor.

Michigan 17-Ohio State 20

Final Record: 7-5 Big Ten (4-4)

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Michigan Football Predictions