Over looking UConn for Sept. 4
The past couple months I've been kind of shocked by the number of people that think UConn is going to be a walk in the park win for the Wolverines this fall. Personally, when I saw that we were starting the season against them my thoughts were, oh shit.
Not only am I a Michigan fan but a huge College Football fan in general. My wife knows that Saturdays are reserved for football and I try and watch every game possible. I also like to put some money down on games and UConn was by far my favorite team to watch and to bet, they are the true underdog.
This is why we can't overlook UConn. In the 2009 season they were 8-2-1 ATS and 6-0 ATS on away games. I understand that they lost 4 games last year but all four of those loses were by no more than a four point defecit. They are returning their starting Qb, Rb, and Wr.
I'm not saying that we can't beat them but it's going to be a really tough game. I hope I'm wrong, I hope a lot of you are right and it's an easy win for us but from what I've seen and what the stats on paper suggest, it's going to be a battle and I don't think we should be overlooking them by no means.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:10 AM ^
I don't think the team is over looking UConn, we as fans on this website might be, I don't think RR and company are. Michigan will have thier hands full, but I think they will prevail.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:06 PM ^
Jordan Todman, and Andre Dixon split carries. They both had almost identical stats at over 1,000 yards and 14 TD's (2 backs with over a thousand yards is impressive.) Andre Dixon is gone, Todman will be a junior. Both starting WR's Marcus Easley and Brad Kanuch are gone. Marcus Easley averaged almost 19 yards a catch, and had 900 yards recieving, kanuch numbers are not impressive. Zach Frazor is coming back but I personally think he is not good and expect Cody Endres to beat him out. They only lose 1 starter on the line RT Mike Hicks. Nobody better underestimate them, Their going to be good and probably ranked, it will be a hell of a test.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:13 AM ^
UConn is a solid team and Michigan will need to play good football on both sides of the ball to win. They need this W to open the new Big House and before they hit the road to play ND and Brian Kelly.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:14 AM ^
expect the game against UConn to be an "easy" game. In fact, I think there is a common, though not universal, belief that the game is a dangerous game for Michigan. Given our level of play, the game is not a gimmie. But I think a lot of fans believe that this game will be a good measure of how much the team has improved in this system since 2008.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:16 AM ^
I don't think anyone is overlooking UConn. At this point, I just don't believe anyone wants to entertain the thought of losing to them. We will cross that road when we get to it.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:24 AM ^
We need to cross it NOW! Then, we cross it back and forth bajillions of times until the game is actually played! /s, but we all know that's what's going to happen... it's the offseason, there's nothing else to talk about :).
February 11th, 2010 at 11:38 AM ^
More like, "we will get run down by a fleet of 18-wheelers when we get to it."
February 11th, 2010 at 11:23 AM ^
UConn was 8-5 and 3-4 in Big East play. Not saying they are going to be a walk in the park, but their record against the spread for betting purposes is less important to me. I don't care if M wins by 1 or 100 as long as they win.
Edit: Unless, we're playing ND or OSU and then I hope we win by a million.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:36 PM ^
I think that UConn was better than Michigan in 2009 (won a bowl game, didn't finish last in their conference..). They return many of the same players for 2010.
Michigan has a couple of things in its favor:
1. First game in the "new" stadium.
2. Third year in "new" system. Significant learning curve?
I think it's a little more likely for this season to start out 0-2 than it is to start off 2-0. That being said, UConn is a critical launching point.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:23 AM ^
Anyone who thinks the UConn game will be a walk in the park has not paid any attention to Michigan or college football on a national level in two years.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:29 AM ^
If anyone thinks UCONN at home is a walk in the park, where were you for last year's game against Purdue?
February 11th, 2010 at 11:50 AM ^
Drunk in a gutter - no wait, that's where I ended up. Or was that after the Illinois game? or was that after both games? Mmmm...beer...
February 11th, 2010 at 11:37 AM ^
Good thing I don't play for Michigan.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:43 AM ^
Where is this park? And if you know, tell RR, because I want our players to walk in it 13 times, all in one season.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:44 AM ^
We're not even at the Spring Game, but I see your point. Considering the majority of threads have been about:
- Which big ten coach badmouthed Michigan (Danny Hope, no question.)
- Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition
- Worst/Best classes at Michigan ( I recommend taking a public speaking course... usually a Sports Management course, but don't be fooled, you can get in, and it's a GREAT class.)
- Denard2.0 vs. Gardner1.0
- No Fly Zone
February 11th, 2010 at 12:06 PM ^
Please don't make light of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. It helps to get us through February.
Add me to the list of those who don't look at Connecticut as a gimme.
February 11th, 2010 at 1:14 PM ^
Not making fun, just noting. :)
February 11th, 2010 at 11:48 AM ^
"...UConn was by far my favorite team to watch..."
If Michigan was not your favorite team to watch last year, then I automatically disagree with everything you say.
Prediction: 56-7 Michigan.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:07 PM ^
Worried at all. All we have to do is look at their recruiting classes. They are about 70% 2 stars. And I learned here you can only win when your recruits are 4 and 5 stars. On a serious note these kids are NOT overlooking anyone. I guarantee you that these kids will be as fired up as any UM team in historyfor opening day. RR's attitude and atmosphere are fully instilled in the kids we have now. If anything our kids feel like they have something to prove. That and our stadium being complete. Its gonna be crazy in the big house. Jesus christ I'm all fired up now.
GO BLUE!!!
February 11th, 2010 at 12:11 PM ^
a. How can you overlook something 7 months in the future?
b. It's the first game of the freaking season!!!! you don't overlook the first game of the season.
c. We lost 7 of our last 8 freaking games last year! You don't over look anyone when you have a shit-ass record like that.
Jeebuz, this is not a good thread.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:15 PM ^
UCONN should be decent, they lose Dixon, and its hard to gauge their other running back although he was a 1000 yard rusher, no doubt minor and carlos brown if healthy could of both rushed near 1000 playing their schedule. Im also interested if Frazer will start for them or the kid that started the season then got hurt. Frazer doesn't impress me as a QB with a 50 ish completion percentage. I do believe if we shut down their run game, we shouldn't have a problem winning the game.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:21 PM ^
8-4 regular season versus our 5-7. Most people on the board, myself included, are worrying about this game.
We have a chance to deliver the knockout punch in the first two games, but it won't be easy.
February 11th, 2010 at 4:42 PM ^
wrong, they were 7-5 in the regular season, and won their bowl game against an inept South Carolina team..
February 11th, 2010 at 12:22 PM ^
reminds me of 2008 opener against Utah. Tough opponent, but given the team's record the last two years, I don't think they'll be overlooking anyone.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:29 PM ^
that believes UConn to be a walk in the park, and I have talked to many Michigan fans regarding that game. It should be a battle and a good game for the Big House dedication, as I think the stadium will be rocking.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:54 PM ^
Overlooking UConn? I'm not even overlooking the Spring Game. THAT will be a game that is tough to win.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:57 PM ^
I think most people see UConn as a big game. In fact, it will probably be a tougher contest than against ND, as that team will likely be in flux with the new coaching regime. When the game was announced last year, I thought it was a great set-up, since it brings a good program to the Big House and will be a nice barometer for determining where this team will go during the season.
My sense is that Edsall will have them ready to play, and the mystique of Michigan Stadium probably won't be as awe-inspiring as it is for smaller teams. Hopefully UM can pull out a win, but that is a game that most serious fans have had circled for some time.
February 11th, 2010 at 1:14 PM ^
My deep thoughts about this coming season.
Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women!
-Conan
EDIT: in summery, I don't think were going to overlook anyone in the forseable future.
February 11th, 2010 at 1:09 PM ^
my only concern is winning. If we're favored by three and win by one who cares as long as we win. Worrying about ATS usually indicates a gambling issue and the fact you know this about UConn should be a warning sign for you. Just win baby!
February 11th, 2010 at 1:24 PM ^
ND will be an easier game than UCONN
You heard it here first!
February 11th, 2010 at 7:42 PM ^
Someone actually posted this earlier in the thread.
February 11th, 2010 at 1:32 PM ^
Why? Because I'm not out there playing on the field when Saturday hits.
February 11th, 2010 at 2:15 PM ^
with the difference between "us" as fans and "they" as the team itself. Refering to the team as "us" or making a statement that seems to implicate the fan with the team is just a shorthand, so as not to say "the Michigan Wolverines football team" as the beginning of every sentence. He is not implying that he plays for the team or implying that he has any impact on the outcome of the game. Lets all get over than one already.
February 11th, 2010 at 3:38 PM ^
rail the OP for the subtle difference between "we" as fans and "they" as the team. Had I wanted to do that, I would've done -exactly that-. But I didn't, so...
Perhaps it'd be more specific for me to say that I'm overlooking them because it's so damned far away. I have PLENTY of other things in my life that I can worry about in the meantime, without stressing about whether the game against UConn is winnable for us.
I'll let the team worry about winning games. They do what they do and play football, I do what I do and support them.
February 11th, 2010 at 3:01 PM ^
This year I expect UConn to be about on par with Northwestern in an up year. I think that they are similar to Northwestern both in talent level and in the way that they frequently overacheive with it. They were 3-4 in the Big East last year. Considering that the Big East was probably the 7th best conference last year, that's pretty unimpressive. Their win over South Carolina in their bowl game though was impressive. It will be tough for a Michigan in '10 struggling to reach seven wins, but they shouldn't be that tough for a legitimate top 20 team.
February 11th, 2010 at 3:24 PM ^
is that they barely lost to WVU, Pitt, Cinci, and UNC. All four of those teams, I believe, Michigan would have really struggled with last year, especially Pitt and Cinci. I'm just as die hard a fan as all of you but I'm just being realistic.
I also have to agree that the team themselves aren't overlooking them but I have to disagree and say that a lot of the fans are looking at the schedule and saying "UCONN, easy win" and moving on. A majority of you posting on here aren't saying that but on other post on here in the past few months a lot of people have been passing this game of as an for sure win. There were two post this morning that implied just that.
And no I don't have a gambling problem and no I'm not concerned with Michigan covering the spread. All I wanted to point out was that UConn was 6-0 ATS on away games and obviously they play their best ball on the road.
All I wanted to get out there was that this team shouldn't be over looked and it will be a huge win for Michigan to start the season like that. This is a tough opening game, it's going to be a great one to watch, this is why I had my wife's sister have her wedding the weekend before when she suggested the weekend of the 4th. I think this is one of the tougher games we will play all year behind OSU and Wisconsin, just my opinion.
February 11th, 2010 at 3:34 PM ^
Who cares if fans overlook UCONN, or any team for that matter, it only matters how the team prepares/performs, and they are not going to overlook anyone! To say that, since some people are overlooking whomever, that must mean the team is too, that's foolish.
February 11th, 2010 at 4:27 PM ^
No way do they overlook UConn. I expect the team's motivation and the atmosphere for the game to be similar to the Western Michigan game in '09.
February 11th, 2010 at 6:55 PM ^
Who is overlooking UConn? I think the consensus here is that it will be a tough game.
February 11th, 2010 at 7:20 PM ^
lookin' past no one.
I guaran-damn-tee you that this team will be fired up and very, very ready to play.
And I think that it is this game against UConn that will really usher in the RR era.
I am not predicting 10-2 next season, but the exile into the wilderness ends with the game against UConn.
February 12th, 2010 at 12:43 PM ^
The UCONN game is about far more than how the teams match up, who returns, schemes, overlooking a perceived weaker opponent, and so forth.
After the last two seasons, the game is a must win. Not because "we're better than UCONN therefore we should beat them" but because to lose the opener of this, the most critical season of the Rich Rod era, would be...um..... man, I can't even come up with a word to describe it.
February 12th, 2010 at 2:23 PM ^
As almost everyone has said - to think that M is looking past UConn is crazy. If RR has done one thing well as a coach here, it would be having our guys fired up for opening day. In 2008, for how bad we were, we were a 2pt conversion away from tying up Utah, who would then go undefeated. In 2009, we were again pretty bad, but we came out and put up a halftime score of 31-0 against a decent WMU team. We haven't ended seasons well, but we've done a good job at the beginning.
Also, I'm not saying UConn is a walk in the park, but they don't return that much talent. Neither of those QB's are good. Endres had the better QB rating (while Zach Frazer was hurt) but he racked up stats against garbage teams and was nothign special (3 TD's and 3 INT's) against the only 2 good teams he faced (Pitt and WVU). Frazer played in most of the tough games, and the bowl game, and threw almost as many picks as TD's (10-9).
It's not like the receivers will be bailing out the QB's either. They lose their top 2 receivers (in terms of receptions), but losing their top guy is the major hit, he had twice as many catches as anyone else and nearly 3 times as many yards. They bring back 3 experienced receivers (2 WR's and a TE) who combined for about 900 yards and 4 touchdowns. This will not be a strength.
At running back, they had 2 guys split carries almost exactly, and had ZERO production fromt that position after that (they had a young guy with 5 carries in the blowout of URI). Todman is the guy who's coming back, and he's the smaller of the two at 5'9". He was OK when he only got 18 carries a game, but because of their mediocrity at QB and lack of experience at WR, they will need to run it a lot more than that. I don't think this kid can carry the rock 35 times in a game.
As someone said earlier, they bring back 4 OL, which is impressive. Admittedly, I don't know much about what they bring back on D, but their defense gave up about 30 points to everyone last year so they'll need to return a lot for that to be a strength. They return their below average kicker who made 60% of his field goals.
I'm not saying we should mark this down as a win, but I don't think we need to freak out about it either. RR will have us fired up and prepared, and we'll come away with a W.
February 12th, 2010 at 2:29 PM ^
I like UConn as a matchup since Edsel is a somewhat conservative coach and probably won't take full advantage of Michigan's biggest weakness (inexperienced secondary).