Michigan Wolverines vs. UConn Huskies Preview

Date: September 4, 2010
Time: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC/ESPN 2
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Weather: 65 degrees
Line: Michigan -3

Final preseason rant

Harvey Danger has a song called Flagpole Sitta that has a line that states: "I'm not sick but I'm not well."  This line best describes the Michigan football program the last three years.  Yes, the last three years.  The last year in Lloyd Carr era was full of lows and highs with some things that were just inexcusable.   We all know what has happened under RR the last two years.  This program is not sick, but it's not well either. 

The time for change is now.  Not a year from now, it's f'ing now!   It's time to flush the past three years down the toilet and start playing Michigan football.  I don't want to hear about the Freep, Stretching Gate, players leaving, players with out wings, past records, or hot seats. 

I want to see some GOD DAMN Michigan football. 

I want to see fast, physical, smart football.  On Saturday, it doesn't matter if your a freshman or a senior, it doesn't mater if you love or hate the new Big House.  On Saturday it's time to STAND UP and play Michigan football.  Play hard, Play for the men that came before you, Play for MICHIGAN!

Ok, I feel better.  Thanks for the letting me get that out. 


Game Preview

I don't expect any surprises on Saturday.  Both teams are pretty familiar with each other.  The reason being is; Michigan is full with a Big East coaching staff and UConn of course is a Big East Team.   Rich Rodriguez and Greg Robinson are two former head coaches in the Big East vs Randy Edsall.   It's clear both teams are better on offense then they are on defense and whichever team get more stops is going to win.  Pretty simple, right?

Opening games are normally sloppy, full of penalties, with a number of turnovers, and special team mistakes.  If we even those things out with both teams, then the game prediction is pretty clear in my mind. 
Let's go to the tale of tape to see if what I am thinking is right.

Michigan Offense vs UConn's D = Michigan

UConn's Offense vs Michigan D = UConn

Special Teams = Push

UConn's offense strength is in the running game with junior running back Jordan Todman who ran for 1,188 yards in 2009.  Michigan defense is the strongest up front with a good defensive line and experienced linebackers (I know—I said experienced).  

Michigan's weakness is clearly in the secondary, where they have a ton of youth with zero experience.   Still, I don't expect UConn to go Texas Tech and start throwing the ball around the yard.  They will still try to run the ball, unless they get down big. 

Michigan on offense has two sophomore quarterbacks nicknamed the "Fed-Ex duo" that can beat you via the air or land.   I expect Tate Forcier to get the start but Denard to get a ton of time.  I also expect some sets with both Tate and Denard in the backfield (maybe Tate pitches to Denard and he throws or runs or maybe he is just a decoy). 

This unit, with an experienced offensive line is the strongest unit on the field for either team.  UConn is also young in the defensive backfield and could give up some big plays in the passing game. 

Whoever plays the best defense wins the game. 


Players to watch for Michigan

Michael Shaw at running back
Cullen Christian at cornerback
Taylor Lewan offensive line
Cam Gordon at safety

Sing "Hail to the Victors" if...

Michigan has a RB over 100 yards.
Michigan limits turnovers and negative plays.
Both Tate and Denard play well.
The freshman cornerbacks know where to lineup.
The senior linebackers play like seniors.

Worry if...

Michigan has trouble stopping the run.
There is little pressure on the Zach Frazer, UConn's quarterback.
The Big House atmosphere doesn't rattle the young Huskies.

I expect that Darryl Stonum will be the difference at receiver and in the return game.  He catches two touchdowns passes and one deep.  All the Michigan running backs play and they play well.  The offense line dominates and the new Big House shakes! Michigan wins 31-21.

Brock Mealer, you are an inspiration to everyone!   I'm looking forward to you walking across the field! 

Go Blue!