Pat Forde Article on ESPN.com

Submitted by profitgoblue on

Pat Forde posted his "Dash of reviews and previews" article on ESPN.com today and it has some interesting nuggets, namely the below.  All of this stuff goes in one ear and out the other for me but these are still nice mentions/thoughts nonetheless.

First, the requisite Denard mention:

Player we're talking about now that we weren't when September began: Denard Robinson (3), Michigan. He wasn't on any Heisman lists before the season started, in no small part because we weren't sure whether he'd even be the Wolverines' starting quarterback until the day of Michigan's opener against Connecticut. More than 1,400 yards of total offense and four victories later, it's pretty safe to say Shoelace is on our radar.

Michigan-Michigan state prediction:

Michigan State at Michigan (26), Oct. 9.

Why it's big: One or both could still be undefeated, and rather unexpectedly so given preseason expectations. If that team is the Spartans, their Big Ten title aspirations rise with a victory over Michigan, since there is no Ohio State on the schedule. If that team is the Wolverines, Rich Rodriguez's job security rises with a victory over the in-state rivals, since he's 0-2 against Sparty while at Michigan.

Why it's interesting: The Dash wants to see Michigan State middle linebacker and playmaker Greg Jones against the skittering feet of Denard Robinson. The 235-pound Jones can put a hurt on the 190-pound Robinson -- if he can catch him.

Who will win: Michigan, 30-24.

More importantly, his prediction that Chappell will throw 6 interceptions this Saturday [edit:  or at least that's the way I read it mean]:

Ben Chappell (36), Indiana. Zero interceptions in 98 attempts. Chappell has thrown the most passes of anyone still alive in the L.I.P., but he's also played against soft competition (Towson, Western Kentucky, Akron). That will end this week. Next game: home against Michigan on Saturday. The Wolverines have six interceptions.

Here's the link to the article (a good read) if you're interested in reading more: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=5624879

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Wolverine0056

September 28th, 2010 at 4:37 PM ^

Yeah nice recognition for DRob and the Wolverines and love the pick for us over MSU. But I think it will be higher than that. 

Also, he was saying we have 6 interceptions total right now, although 6 against Chappell would be nice. If you are being sarcastic at that part, I apologize for my sarcastic meter is busted. 

Nice post nevertheless. 

Joined: 08/02/2010

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UMichinCA

September 28th, 2010 at 4:38 PM ^

I don't think he's predicting 6 interceptions this week for Michigan.  I think he's noting that Michigan has 6 INT on the year so far (i.e. M Defense is better than what Indiana has faced to date).  I didn't stat check so I could be wrong, but that's the way I read it.

Joined: 11/20/2009

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Promote RichRod

September 28th, 2010 at 4:40 PM ^

prediction re: interceptions.  6?  With a veteran QB looking to dink and dunk rather than throw downfield?  Against our secondary?  I know we have been good on the interception front but come on - I'd be excited as hell about 2.  6 is not happening.

EDIT: yeah I misread this too.

Joined: 11/11/2008

MGoPoints: 772

bronxblue

September 28th, 2010 at 4:56 PM ^

This should come as little surprise to anyone who reads Forde, but his handle on grammar and context is a bit lacking. 

I do think UM will win this weekend, and Chappell will be picked off at least once.  Not so much because the secondary is strong, but because the front line will generate more pressure than he's seen all year, and that will inevitably lead to at least one or two lame ducks being lofted into the waiting arms of a safety.

Joined: 11/22/2008

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jmblue

September 28th, 2010 at 4:58 PM ^

Speaking of turnovers, one of the many things to love about Denard is that he's not likely to throw many picks, since defenses are so concerned about stopping our run game that their corners will rarely have any safety help.  And even if they're in a decent defense at the snap, how can they not bite when Denard takes a couple steps toward the line of scrimmage, as he did on the TD to Roundree in the ND game? 

I look for Denard to have an outstanding TD-INT ratio on the season and accordingly, for us to have a good turnover margin. 

Joined: 11/07/2008

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cbusmichman

September 28th, 2010 at 5:02 PM ^

It seems like Denard puts himself in a position where it is difficult to get a clean shot at him. Greg Jones probably won't be able to "put a hurt" on Denard even if he does catch him.

Joined: 12/08/2009

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lhglrkwg

September 28th, 2010 at 7:24 PM ^

i challenge indiana to schedule softer non-conference games next year. i don't think it can be done.

maybe if they schedule eastern, del state, eastern, and then eastern

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