247/Michigan Insider: 5 Things to Know about Middle Tennessee
1) They know they're underdogs, and the Blue Raiders are used to it
2) Middle Tennessee has had plenty of attrition
they will be breaking in a number of new starters.
will have to replace 11 primary starters from last season, including its top linebacker, top two cornerbacks, top defensive end, top defensive tackle, three offensive linemen, four of its top-six pass-catchers and its four-year starting quarterback and Stockstill's son, Brent.
One area where Middle Tennessee will feel the most attrition is in the passing game, where Brent Stockstill exceeded 3,500 yards passing and added 29 touchdowns to finish 21st in NCAA history with 106 career passing touchdowns
3) Though coaching stability helps
4) Michigan's offensive line will be busy, but passing routes will be open
starting linebackers figure to all weigh less than 215 pounds, and they must replace their two starting cornerbacks and ball-hawking safety from last season. If Michigan can perform its scheme, there should be plenty of openings in the passing game.
(....starting linebackers figure to all weigh less than 215 pounds... say what?)
5) The Wolverines should expect more run plays
August 28th, 2019 at 8:20 AM ^
Wonderful to start the season being able to work on and develop the new passing game against a weaker opponent. Very excited to see the Gattis offense at work!
I don't think there is much to worry about on the first point, however.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:24 AM ^
Famous last words. A bunch of them.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:27 AM ^
I was mostly coming form the angle that points 2-5 seem much more important to what we should expect on the field. Point 1 seems more trivia.
But, I hear what you're saying. It's never healthy to underestimate an opponent.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:30 AM ^
I'm just kidding. I mean, if we lost this game, the hell with everything. All of it.
It is just that I remember the way that I was talking about Appalachian State. There was a lot of "this isn't even really a game" and "the season really doesn't start until next week." Honestly, that was the first time that I had ever really talked about an opponent like that, even teams like Miami OH and the directional schools. And.... welp.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:40 AM ^
App State was two time defending national champions in their class with a ton of returning talent. MTSU ... isn't. I would be more worried if it were someone like North Dakota (and even then not too worried, just a touch of BPONE!)
August 28th, 2019 at 8:52 AM ^
NDSU should really move up to FBS. While they would probably play in the Mountain West, would they not make for a better B1G team than Rutger?
August 28th, 2019 at 9:03 AM ^
North Dakota? No thanks, would rather play Army/Navy/Air Force. Same upside to a win (nothing), but a much lower downside to losing (or even close-gaming) NDSU. Honestly, I think NDSU would beat the service academies fairly easily.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:11 AM ^
Murphy. How's your law working?
August 28th, 2019 at 9:51 AM ^
Oh, boy. Didn't think about that. Just named the account after my dog.
If Murphy's Law does come into play, I'll be breaking open some whiskey.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:39 AM ^
I found out that they are not actually in the middle of Tennessee.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:40 AM ^
I hope the defense's tackling isn't Florida/Miami level bad.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:56 AM ^
56-13 Michigan. Not sure what my second half prediction is yet.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:20 AM ^
Great...so Fire Brown! threads at halftime?
August 28th, 2019 at 9:06 AM ^
Anyone interested in Michigan keeping some things on the vanilla side to not give Army and Wisconsin things to scout?
August 28th, 2019 at 9:19 AM ^
No. They actually need to play their new #speedinspace formations in a game at game speed. Obviously not the whole playbook, but don't need or want to see 7 handoffs to the fullback.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:23 AM ^
I want them to throw everything at them. Here is 100 plays we have. Prepare for it.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:39 AM ^
Army's defense couldn't stop OU last year and graduated 5 of their front 7.
Win the game. Don't worry about Army.
August 28th, 2019 at 10:07 AM ^
Given we should win and we have superior talent, I've been wondering how much of the playbook they'll reveal. This is Gattis' first game as play caller, so I expect he wants to see how all his new toys can be used and what plays work well by design. A little investigation into proof of the theory of speed in space. I just have a feeling we'll see some good stuff in the first half and not much in the second half. I guess all the RBs will have a chance to show their stuff.
August 28th, 2019 at 3:20 PM ^
If last season taught us anything, it's that if you fail to rep things when you CAN, you won't be able to execute when you MUST.
Also, god dammit Pep
August 28th, 2019 at 4:40 PM ^
Hopefully the offense looks good enough that we don't know or care if they are saving plays. If we are debating it after Saturday that is a bad sign IMO.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:10 AM ^
I'd expect Lavert Hill to be matched up on Ty Lee.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:30 AM ^
I hope the backup OL get plenty of work in this one. No need to leave the starters in the whole game
August 28th, 2019 at 10:13 AM ^
Very concerning
August 28th, 2019 at 11:34 AM ^
Holy crap you really don't need to get past #2 to understand this game is going to go badly for them. Their new players are all at positions where our top players will exploit. Can't wait for the game and I am looking forward to it being a night game that I can hopefully relax throughout it and not get too stressed out.
Go Blue!
August 28th, 2019 at 5:16 PM ^
Looks like they've had some tough fights against meh/bad B1G teams semi recently. They did beat Maryland twice prior when they were in the ACC...
2017: Lost to Minnesota 34-3
2015: Lost to Illinois 27-25
2014: Lost to Minnesota 35-24
2011: Lost to Purdue 27-24
2010: Lost to Minnesota 24-17
2009: Beat Maryland 32-31
2008: Beat Maryland 24-14
2000: Lost to Illinois 35-6