Sage Advice From Brandstatter

Everyone seemed to pick the Ducks over the Huskies.  Oregon were 9.5 point favorites.  

Prompt: Please write a Coach's speech about how everyone is taking Iowa too lightly and that this could be a big problem and lead to an upset.

ChatGPT: Ladies and gentlemen, team, staff, I want to address something crucial as we prepare for our next game against Iowa.

It seems there's a common perception floating around, a dangerous underestimation of the Iowa team. I'm here to remind you that this is not just another game, and Iowa is not just another opponent. Taking them lightly could be our biggest mistake.

Iowa, as you all know, is a team with a rich history, a team that knows how to surprise and upset even the best. They've shown time and again that underestimating them leads to dire consequences. We cannot afford to be the next in line of those who learned this the hard way.

Remember, in sports, as in life, it's not just about the skills or the records; it's about the heart, the determination, and the ability to seize opportunities. Iowa has plenty of that. They come into games with a chip on their shoulder, ready to prove the doubters wrong. They thrive on being underestimated, and that makes them dangerous.

We need to approach this game with the utmost respect for our opponents, understanding their strengths and being ready for their strategies. We need to play our best, not just because it's expected, but because anything less will not be enough.

This is not just another game. This is a test of our character, our discipline, and our ability to respect every opponent we face. Let's not be the team that took Iowa too lightly. Let's be the team that recognized the challenge and rose to meet it with everything we've got.

Let's go out there and show that we are prepared, focused, and ready to face a formidable opponent. Let's play with the respect and intensity this game deserves. Let's make sure that when people talk about this game, they talk about how we recognized the challenge, faced it head-on, and demonstrated the true spirit of our team.

Now, let's get to work and prepare for a battle. Remember, respect for every opponent, focus on every play, and determination in every moment. Let's do this!

Indeed, very good advice. But Michigan was also a 12 point favorite in 2021, and was the team getting the hype. Yet they went in and played to their potential.

I think Harbaugh will have them ready.

They didn't overlook Maryland on the road without their head coach.  I don't think this group will come this far to actually allow themselves to blow a real chance at an opportunity to win a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

BET

AND

GO BLUE

All this hand wringing over Iowa is what might cause us to lose. Oh but what if we throw an interception (even though we rarely do) I can only clutch these pearls so hard? Score 21 and it’s game over, even with multiple interceptions.

College Gameday picks: 3-2 Iowa. We're the underdogs. Don't know what Brandy is talking about.

Preach, big Jim.  I feel the same way.

Great insight. I remember last year Kirby Smart had his team(which were overwhelming favorites and clearly the best team) thinking they were under dogs and disrespected. I remember laughing about that after they beat TCU acting like nobody thought they were favored. He had his team believing that nobody thought they were good and they were able to play with an incredible chip on her shoulders. Sure hope that is the mentality of this team.

Thankfully we have 40 plus seniors on this team.

Sorry. But this is stupid. 

This is the worst 10-2 team in the history of the power 5. The worst #18 team of all time. The worst Big 10 West winner ever. 

Their average win is over the #69 (nice) team in the country. There are 65 power 5 teams... they have the worst offense in America. 

I can take them lightly because A) they are not a good team and B) because I know that the team will not take them lightly. 

So stop clutching your pearls and enjoy the beat-down!

Kirk's last game.

No favors from the B1G and their refs.

Disrespekt

Michigan 31-6

"They are getting no respect, and it is not because Michigan is underestimating them--it is because everybody else is. That’s makes me nervous."

Only Michigan is playing them, Jim. The fans and media are not.

Yeah i don’t think this team is letting any of that noise spread within 

they are taking Iowa  very seriously

Harbaugh is back. There is strong player leadership on this team. Anything can happen of course, but this team is very unlikely to look past Iowa.

They have so far proven able to keep focus. Doubt Jim won't be dialed up in his first game back.

Yeah I get it and he's not wrong. But they are still Iowa and that's game.

Iowa is literally predicted to score negative points.  They will either die a quick death or a slow death.  But no matter how it happens, they gon die.

I doubt Michigan will be overlooking Iowa, this is for the B1G championship!

Petitti should ban Harbaugh just before kickoff to guarantee a Michigan win! 

I really hope the team isn't listening to all this noise coming from the media and fans about Iowa.  

Jim Harbaugh on the sideline will see to it that the entire Michigan team stay focused for the duration of this game. JH knows as well as Brandstatter what this game means.

Of all of this season's games,  I think this is the most important one for us to start fast.  Come out with guns blazing, get a lead and crush any upset dreams Iowa might have quickly.

The longer this game goes on with Iowa staying close, the worse it will be.  Iowa is dreaming of making this game a messy, muddled affair and being close enough to win with one lucky break.  They don't have the ability to outplay Michigan, but they can make the game a long slog and be opportunistic.

Please get a lead early, guys.

Go Blue!

Brandy knows football.  Has to have been an emotional journey for the team to get here.  Win the game.  That said, this team is special.

Fair.  However, the emtional let down that would've typically happened is also counter-balanced now by the return of their beloved head coach.  They want to play well for coach, win the BIG and move on.  They will do that tonight.

Seth is right. Jump on them early and the game is over.

Flea Flicker 1st series. 

I agree.  While even in my heart of hearts I feel confident that Michigan is going to win, I still don't like acting like the championship is our fate.  We still have to go out there and earn it against a team that has nothing to lose.  I know the coaching staff is going to be impressing this on them all the way up until game time.

When was the last time the national media gave the B1G West representative a legitimate chance to win the championship game? And how does it usually go?

Our team knows Iowa has a top defense and will play accordingly.

And???

Go, Blue

Beat Iowa

Michigan absolutely can lose to Iowa. Iowa shortens the game, Iowa makes you work to beat them. It can be tricky. They won't lose to Iowa if they execute in all phases of the game.

If anything, this current version of Michigan has showed me they come out ready to play every week and don't underestimate opponents

I always wonder how much scouting they do to find these students for these games? They aren’t even on the cusp of being an athlete. It’s like they do a top 5 or whatever and then show up and tell them to throw a football or shoot a basketball, depending on the venue, and they choose the worst two. 

What matters is what Jim and the team do; and they don't underestimate opponents. Fans use the royal we to a crazy extent; they don't play the games.

It’s the same shit as the last 2 big ten champ games. I’m sure the coaching staff will prepare the players properly 

The way things are shaping up, Michigan probably must win to get into the CFP. Harbaugh’s remarks about Iowa in his Sunday press conference were very respectful and seemed sincere. He says that Ferentz is a great coach who finds a way to win. I suspect they’ll be ready to go.

I hate all the “obvious win” everyone is affording Michigan already- I share that worry with Brandstatter. I hope the team stays off of the Twitter/X media sports sites all stating the given win, especially MGoBlog.

This Michigan team is the better team, but iowas shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

Michigan wins- 24-6.

Go Blue!!!

This team isn’t overlooking Iowa. They will be ready. Nobody inside that facility is talking easy win and harbaugh back has the place juiced. 

the only concern, which is always there is getting “back up” after an emotional win but nobody is taking Iowa lightly. This is a championship game, not a random game in the middle of the season. 

This team does not look past an opponent that is between them and one of their goals. Iowa is in their way. Good luck Hawkeyes. 

Imperative to put the pressure on early … use JJ and his passing … no runs up the middle on first down … the only way it becomes a game is if Michigan plays like Brian Ferentz is our OC and Deacon Hill is our QB !!! 

I still have PTSD from being at that game in Kinnick in 2016.  I take nothing for granted.  Just win.