funkywolve

August 16th, 2011 at 2:52 PM ^

MSU:  maybe.  It's the last game of the year and at NU.  If NU is having a really good year and Sparty is 6-5/7-4 heading into this game I could see the wildcats favored.

PSU:  doubtful.  This is the 8th game for PSU and other than Iowa and Alabama, PSU's schedule is pretty cozy up until this point. (PSU has a brutal closing stretch).

Iowa:  Depends on how the teams start the year.  It's the 6th game of the year for Iowa.  If Iowa happens to lose to both Pitt and PSU to be 3-2 heading into this game and NU is 5-0 heading into the game, NU might be favored.

Joined: 10/08/2008

MGoPoints: 20265

profitgoblue

August 16th, 2011 at 3:50 PM ^

On its face the Nebraska-OSU line looks crazy but if you dig deeper it could be dead-on.  OSU has no QB and a brand new coach that got thrown into a job that is filled with turmoil and distraction.  It'll be hard to make them favorites in any of the really big games, I would guess.

If there is any prediction I would put stock in its the Vegas line.  That is the only one that causes money to change hands and hits the predictor in the pocketbook, thus making it the most reliable.

 

Joined: 09/01/2009

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Tater

August 16th, 2011 at 12:44 PM ^

I am tired of almost every poll flip-flopping what will probably happen with Michigan and Michigan State.  Since there is a Sparty clock in the locker room, too, I would imagine that the players all know what the "professionals" think and will be supremely motivated to prove a lot of people wrong this year.  

As for Michigan State, I really thought the Sparty infatuation in the MSM would have worn off by now.  They got eleven wins out of an eight-win talent base last year due to some incredible breaks.  Eventually, those even out.  Given their losses in personnel, I can't see them winning more than seven games this year.

Last but not least, Sparty snuck up on a few teams last year.  Let's see how they play with a target on their collective back.

  

Joined: 08/13/2008

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WolvinLA2

August 16th, 2011 at 1:05 PM ^

Seriously. MSU played three tough teams last year. They beat Wisconsin which was a great win, but they got smoked by Iowa and Alabama. Like really smoked. They didn't have to play OSU and they lucked out against ND. They're lucky again that they get OSU before their QB gets much experience and when the other four are still suspended. But they will still lose to OSU, ND, Nebraska, Wisconsin and probably us as well. Not sure about Iowa but that's not a great season. MSU at 7-5 and no better.

Joined: 11/13/2009

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Tater

August 16th, 2011 at 1:00 PM ^

Before hearing Borges talk, I didn't have a lot of confidence in this year, and thought eight wins would be a decent year.  But now, Borges and Hoke have said that Denard brings other things to the table and that they would find a way to use those strengths.  It might not last after Denard is gone, because Michigan will probably value height over speed at the QB position now, but I think Borges is going to come up with game plans that won't handcuff the talent that he has in the meantime.

The cupboard is full in this instance, and I can't imagine Borges not figuring out a way to get a lot out of what he has.  I see ND and Nebraska as the only auto-losses this year.  Out of the other ten games, even an underrated Michigan should be favored in seven of them.  I think they will take care of business in those seven and win two of the other three, with the "other" loss at Iowa.

Then again, I predict nine wins every year at this time.

Joined: 08/13/2008

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MGoDC

August 16th, 2011 at 1:54 PM ^

Mostly agree with everything you just wrote (which scares me) but the one point of disagreement is that I think ND is not an "auto-loss." We've won 4 out of the last 5 years, won at their place last year, the game is a home night game with special jersies, etc.

To be clear: I'm NOT saying that we will be favored. I'm merely saying "auto-loss" seems a bit harsh given all those factors at play. I think we have a fighting chance even if we are slight underdogs.

At Nebraska I will be shocked if we win.

Joined: 03/21/2010

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MichiganPoloShirt

August 16th, 2011 at 5:21 PM ^

how the hell is the nd game a auto-loss? We beat them last year wit a mush worse team coaches scheme gameplan etc and our motivation will be thru the roof this is a historic game first ever night game in Michigan stadium trust me we gone bust they ass I guarantee

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