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Are "we" better than OSU right now?

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October 29th, 2012 at 9:40 PM
#1
1464
1464's picture
Joined: 06/21/2010
MGoPoints: 36385
Are "we" better than OSU right now?

Less than a month away from the Game, I think a lot of MSM personalities are writing us off. 

Why?

I'm a subscriber to the notion of buy low, sell high.  Perception of our team is WAY lower than it should be.  We lost to an NFL team in Texas, should have beaten a top 5 team South Bend, and had our only 'bad' loss to a solid team in Nebraska at night (without our star performer).  Our defense has solidified in tough situations.  Our offense is slumping, but very dangerous. 

OSU is flying to high to the sun right now.  9-0, but one of the ugliest 9-0 teams I've seen.  Almost lost to Indiana, among other weak opponents.  Looked very sloppy out of conference.  Defense is a sieve.

Granted, three losses will drive the perception that we are not on their level.  So will the shallow topical commentary by media members.  But I think that our team will be able to drive on their defense, and I don't think can match our point production. 

My opinion is that we are a better football team this year.

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October 29th, 2012 at 9:43 PM
#2
goblue2008
goblue2008's picture
Joined: 01/15/2011
MGoPoints: 1719
In the words of Lloyd Carr

"Now why would you ask a stupid question like that?"

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October 29th, 2012 at 9:44 PM
#3
VCavman24
Joined: 01/23/2012
MGoPoints: 1884
At Home

At home, yes.  We are better (with Denard.)  On the road, I think we are worse.  Denard has never had a good game on the road against a decent opponent, except for the 2010 Notre Dame game.  In all of the marquee road games Denard has played in, he has stunk.  As much as I think Michigan can beat Notre Dame, Nebraska, or Ohio State, the reality of Denard's road woes sinks in.

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October 30th, 2012 at 11:09 AM
(Reply to #3) #4
Hannibal.
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Joined: 09/09/2008
MGoPoints: 6297
Denard was excellent against

Denard was excellent against Penn State that year and very quietly moved the team up and down the field against OSU in the first half of that game.  I'm not sure that the sample size is big enough to say how good Denard really is on the road.  A combination of shitty offensive playcalling and ultra tough defenses have probably conspired to overexaggerate how bad Denard is on the road.  And upon further review, he was excellent throwing the football against Nebraska.  About 100 yards worth of offense hit receivers in the hands and then ended up on the ground for one reason or another.   The overturned Roundtree catch was a thing of beauty, as was the pass to Gardner that would have been a TD if they DB hadn't held him.  Even with the hold, a really good receiver makes that catch. 

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October 29th, 2012 at 9:50 PM
#5
Humen
Humen's picture
Joined: 10/04/2010
MGoPoints: 7029
Absolutely

Even without Horford and McGary.

 

...What? 

 
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October 30th, 2012 at 3:52 PM
(Reply to #4) #6
buckeyejonross
buckeyejonross's picture
Joined: 07/27/2010
MGoPoints: 11395
I lol'ed.

I lol'ed.

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October 29th, 2012 at 9:52 PM
#7
mgobleu
mgobleu's picture
Joined: 07/02/2008
MGoPoints: 23873
Are "We" better than OSU?

Are "We" better than OSU? Always. Always, always, always, always, ALWAYS, always, always.

 

Our football team? Maybe, but maybe not.

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October 29th, 2012 at 9:56 PM
#8
JimBobTressel
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Joined: 11/28/2010
MGoPoints: 4235
will muschamp is mad you'd

will muschamp is mad you'd ask such a question

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:46 PM
(Reply to #6) #9
rockediny
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Joined: 08/14/2010
MGoPoints: 7301
I'm trying to read his lips.

I'm trying to read his lips. He's not very happy.

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:02 PM
(Reply to #33) #10
LewanHatesDonkeys
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Joined: 11/12/2011
MGoPoints: 482
I saw. "Little peice of

I saw. "Little peice of shit..... middle words..... DO IT NOW"

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:31 PM
(Reply to #46) #11
lhglrkwg
lhglrkwg's picture
Joined: 07/03/2008
MGoPoints: 27761
I read

"ERRRRRR. You...mount..the table! THATS WHAT I THINK DO IT NOW!"

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October 30th, 2012 at 1:31 PM
(Reply to #58) #12
catatomic
Joined: 01/14/2009
MGoPoints: 107
Wow

Hadn't seent that. I'm sure glad Hoke isn't like that.

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October 29th, 2012 at 9:57 PM
#13
Logan88
Joined: 01/05/2009
MGoPoints: 4643
Umm...wut?

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October 29th, 2012 at 9:58 PM
#14
An Angelo's Addict
An Angelo's Addict's picture
Joined: 07/12/2011
MGoPoints: 7314
with denard at home? yes with

with denard at home? yes

with denard away? no

with bellomy away? helllll no

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:41 PM
(Reply to #10) #15
robbyt003
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Joined: 10/25/2010
MGoPoints: 10008
(No subject)

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:00 PM
#16
TheGhostofYost
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Joined: 04/20/2011
MGoPoints: 2971
I personally think so.  OSU

I personally think so.  OSU has been the least impressive team undefeated team in the history of the sport.  They can't defend spread formations worth a dime, 2 out of three LBs are a joke, their special teams is a dumpster fire, and they have one playmaker on offense.  I think we beat them in the Toilet seat.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:00 PM
#17
jaggs
jaggs's picture
Joined: 02/03/2009
MGoPoints: 3981
Why

is "we" in quotations?  It makes it seem like you are asking 'we' as fans. You are allowed to refer to yourself as 'we' when talking about the home team on a blog. 

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:28 PM
(Reply to #12) #18
Owl
Owl's picture
Joined: 04/14/2012
MGoPoints: 1059
Not sure what my opinion on

Not sure what my opinion on that is. Always feels weird to me, but is a lot easier than saying "the football team that represents the university that I attend and that I'm a fan of."

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:09 PM
(Reply to #28) #19
DeuceInTheDeuce
DeuceInTheDeuce's picture
Joined: 10/29/2008
MGoPoints: 1029
Remember when we went to the

Remember when we went to the moon? That was cool.

Yeah, It's weird.

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:29 PM
(Reply to #12) #20
Smash Lampjaw
Smash Lampjaw's picture
Joined: 11/10/2011
MGoPoints: 2025
I "liked" the quotation marks.

A good way to show your awareness of a common point of contention around here. I don't know how many times I have deleted us and we and replaced them with UM or Michigan. From now on I will use quote marks to indicate me and this mouse in my pocket.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:03 PM
#21
MaizeRage89
MaizeRage89's picture
Joined: 05/04/2009
MGoPoints: 1610
Yes

As long as D-Rob plays we will win

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October 30th, 2012 at 9:21 PM
(Reply to #14) #22
M-Dog
M-Dog's picture
Joined: 07/06/2008
MGoPoints: 147119
And Borges lets him play.

And Borges actually lets him play.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:06 PM
#23
mgobluebraelow
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Joined: 08/20/2010
MGoPoints: 976
Beat Ohio. I just want Hoke

Beat Ohio.

I just want Hoke to send Urban packing by the end of next November.

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October 30th, 2012 at 11:23 AM
(Reply to #15) #24
profitgoblue
profitgoblue's picture
Joined: 09/01/2009
MGoPoints: 19557
Well, Hoke already changed

Well, Hoke already changed the tide in the rivalry, so there's that.

 

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:06 PM
#25
philclar
philclar's picture
Joined: 12/23/2008
MGoPoints: 96
Tits

Tits or I'm leavin

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:49 PM
(Reply to #16) #26
BluCheese
Joined: 04/14/2011
MGoPoints: 879
Well,

bye!

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:06 PM
#27
True_Blue
True_Blue's picture
Joined: 01/15/2012
MGoPoints: 23
Meyer not coaching them will

Meyer is slowly running them into the ground (They're undefeated because their schedule is ridiculous). Every week the defense gets worse, and that poor miller has been injured about 4 times so far, and unfortunately the kid's injuries are getting more and more severe.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:23 PM
(Reply to #17) #28
mgobleu
mgobleu's picture
Joined: 07/02/2008
MGoPoints: 23873
Agreed, their schedule is

Agreed, their schedule is pretty much junk and then us, but I don't think that 11-1 or even 10-2 with a loss to Michigan is going to get Urban's seat even remotely warm. By notoriety and hype alone he's probably safe through at least 2 crappy seasons, and after the year they had last year, unless they drop every game from here on out they aren't going to be too upset.  

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:24 PM
(Reply to #17) #29
FrankMurphy
FrankMurphy's picture
Joined: 08/19/2008
MGoPoints: 10000
"Running them into the

"Running them into the ground" is overstating the case a bit.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:48 PM
(Reply to #17) #30
UFM
Joined: 01/27/2012
MGoPoints: 238
Haha, I respect your opinion,

Haha, I respect your opinion, but I'm convinced you've formed it without watching the games. Ohio State's defense is subpar yes. but not because of anything to do with Urban. Tressel's staff uncharacteristically left our defense bare. You think we're playing Boren at MLB for laughs? The truth is we had DBs transfer and blue chip LB recruits turn out to be busts. Remember Dorian Bell and Curtis Grant?

As for the injuries to Braxton. As of today's pressed he's 100% healthy. Injuries happen, however. Especially to playmakers like Braxton OR Denard. It's not the coach's fault. It's football. If anything Urban's spent the last week teaching Brax how to slide. No joke. The kid is just now learning that.

I definitely still think the jury's out on Urban until year three, regardless of how well this season has gone. We'll all know then. But judging how he fared at BGSU, Utah, and Florida, I'm confident this team will get better before it gets worse.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:57 PM
(Reply to #36) #31
jaggs
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Joined: 02/03/2009
MGoPoints: 3981
Ask

yourself how Curtis Grant would do under Mattison. Whether you assign blame to Fickell, ultimately the defense IS bad, and that is a reflection of Urb.

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:05 PM
(Reply to #43) #32
UFM
Joined: 01/27/2012
MGoPoints: 238
I have. I don't think it

I have. I don't think it matters. There's a difference between bad recruiting and bad coaching. Obviously this is a pointless argument because barring a transfer, we'll never know if the issue is with Grant or Fickell.
I will say this, however, Shazier is from Grant's class and he's turned out to be a two year starter and one of the few studs on defense. Just got awarded B1G defensive player of the week this past week, Fickell must've done something right with him, no?

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October 30th, 2012 at 1:26 AM
(Reply to #48) #33
Scarlatina
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Joined: 12/22/2011
MGoPoints: 1359
I don't blame Fickell for the LBs

Fickell has been in charge of the LBs since 2004. In that time OSU has produced: A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Schlegel, Larry Grant, James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, Austin Spitler, Brian Rolle and Ross Homan.

All of which were solid contributors when they were starters. So I have no doubt in my mind that Luke Fickell can coach. Even Zach Boren who has only been at LB for 2 weeks is playing at a serviceable level. There are just some players who can't grasp the mental aspects of the game. Heck, Etienne Sabino was the #1 MLB of his class and it has taken him 4 years to grasp the playbook and finally be a starter this season. I feel like Curtis Grant is having similar struggles as Sabino.

The only thing I question about Fickell is his ability to call plays. I can see Urban giving Withers a shot at play-calling before the season ends if the defense doesn't improve drastically.

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October 30th, 2012 at 3:58 PM
(Reply to #43) #34
buckeyejonross
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Joined: 07/27/2010
MGoPoints: 11395
I think you're insane. Dorian

I think you're insane. Dorian Bell and Etienne Sabino were both 5 stars under Heacock and Tressel and never did anything at the LB position. Does that mean it's Tressel's fault? What about him turning 3 star James Laurinaitis into the third best LB in OSU's history? Or Brian Rolle into a good LB? Sabino needed 5 years to be a competent starter. Sometimes kids just don't get it. SOmetimes they do. Urban has spent half a year with Grant, let's not kill him yet.

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October 30th, 2012 at 2:45 PM
(Reply to #36) #35
brandanomano
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Joined: 09/05/2009
MGoPoints: 5086
I can't wait until I get to

I can't wait until I get to see Boren attempt to tackle Denard.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:08 PM
#36
BeantownWolverine
Joined: 10/07/2011
MGoPoints: 103
  As of now, Denard is still

 

As of now, Denard is still recovering.

Our backup QB is Michigan's version of Bauserman. Do you think Bauserman can beat Miller? Right. I didn't think so.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:09 PM
#37
MGoPAR
Joined: 10/27/2011
MGoPoints: 157
I believe...

Denard will be the second Michigan player to receive a standing ovation at the Horseshoe. It is his destiny.

Forgot the main part of this original post. Defensively, yes. Offensively, no. Fortunately, the two units that are strongest/weakest for both teams match up.

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:31 AM
(Reply to #19) #38
Urban Warfare
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Joined: 09/28/2010
MGoPoints: 1691
Which other Michigan player

Which other Michigan player got a standing O?  Justin Boren on senior day? 

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October 30th, 2012 at 10:04 AM
(Reply to #66) #39
The Wolf
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Joined: 02/02/2011
MGoPoints: 347
I believe that would be Mr.

I believe that would be Mr. Tom Harmon, in 1940.  

He passed for 151 yards & 2 TD's, rushed for 139 yard & 2 TD's, had 3 interceptions (1 returned for a TD), averaged 50 yards/punt, and kicked 4 extra points.  That's a pretty good day.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:09 PM
#40
lhglrkwg
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Joined: 07/03/2008
MGoPoints: 27761
Before last Saturday I would've said yes

now my confidence has wavered

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:21 PM
(Reply to #20) #41
AmaizeingBlue
Joined: 09/01/2010
MGoPoints: 1539
Why though?  The only things

Why though?  The only things we learned last Saturday was that our defense is legit and our offense next year may be in trouble.  Nothing else has changed from the this past saturday since Denard was out.

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:42 PM
(Reply to #25) #42
lhglrkwg
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Joined: 07/03/2008
MGoPoints: 27761
Because I thought we'd drop 40 on Neb easily

and I know Denard got knocked out, but it didn't look like we were going to score 40 prior to that. My confidence in beating OSU was out good D + decent O = 35-20 win but since we had trouble moving it on Nebraska I'm more wary (and yes I know it's an away night game and we had a healthy YPC before Denard was out. It just didn't feel like a dominating offense like I thought it should)

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:48 AM
(Reply to #61) #43
TheGhostofYost
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Joined: 04/20/2011
MGoPoints: 2971
Eh, I dunno.  We probably

Eh, I dunno.  We probably would have dropped 30 at least.  We were about to go up 10-6, and I know TOP is an overrated stat, but part of the reason we weren't putting up huge points was because we were moving at a very slow pace.  You have to figure the running game would have really exploded in the 2nd half.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:13 PM
#44
johnvand
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Joined: 02/04/2010
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In a word

In a word.  No.

In two words.  Hell No.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:26 PM
#45
LSAClassOf2000
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Joined: 01/07/2011
MGoPoints: 81411
Some Data For The Discussion...

Here are the current conference rankings on some of the more important metrics, in my estimation. (Source: THIS). 


  CONFERENCE RANK (10/29/2012)
  Michigan Ohio State
Pass Eff. Defense 4th 7th
Kick Returns 3rd 7th
Passing Offense 11th 9th
Passing Defense 1st 12th
Pass Efficiency 11th 5th
Pass Interceptions 5th (tie) 1st
Rushing Offense 4th 2nd
Rushing Defense 6th 3rd
Scoring Defense 2nd 8th
Scoring Offense 6th 2nd
Total Defense 2nd 9th
Total Offense 7th 3rd
Turnover Margin 10th 6th

 

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:00 PM
(Reply to #24) #46
DonAZ
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Joined: 12/05/2011
MGoPoints: 9478
Pass efficiency - 11th vs.

Pass efficiency - 11th vs. 5th

Rushing offense - 4th vs. 2nd

Scoring offense - 6th vs. 2nd

I'm hard-core Blue ... but there's wishful thinking and there's reality -- OSU is not a perfect team but they have their strengths.  Miller is pretty good QB, and they balance his passing with a decent running attack.

I hope for a win down in Columbus ... but I think it unwise to assume we're simply better and the win is more or less a given.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:32 PM
#47
jabberwock
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Joined: 07/04/2008
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no

& it's not that close.

for the record my Guess The Score pick was Neb 20 - M 13.  
Even with Denard, we are barely functioning on offense.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:35 PM
#48
UFM
Joined: 01/27/2012
MGoPoints: 238
Ok I'll bite

I'm an OSU fan that occasionally lurks here and on other rival boards--for no other reason than that I like to know what the pulse is everywhere in the B1G.

Short answer: no.

Long answer: let me state the obvious, Ohio State is a flawed team. Similar to you guys, Urban inherited a team that had major depth issues. Especially in the O-line and in our back seven. On top of that, Urban has had to teach our offense a brand new style of offense that requires Braxton to make reads that he's never done before. While we put up points, it's more Braxton being a ridiculous playmaker than us being consistent on offense. Growing pains are still very much an issue.

That being said, every man on that football team has bought in 100% and if you watch our games you know that while it's not always pretty, we play harder than the other team lining up against us. This team has that "it" quality. The players constantly tweet about how much they love their teammates and Urban has them drinking the koolaid big time.

The result is we find ways to win. Whether it be at East Lansing or State College against stout defenses or when Braxton goes down and we need our backup qb to lead us on a game tying drive.

Scary thing is that while we have been doing it while sustaining major injuries to our playmakers (Jordan hall, Barnett, Sabino, etc) and by playing some players out of position, we are gelling and at our strongest today. Especially on defense--we have figured out, finally, how to stop the run and we are finally blitzing consistently, which has resulted in our pass defense capitalizing via the interception.

I'm not a homer, however, and know all too well how special Denard is. He can do it by himself. By the look of your anemic offense, he's going to have to have the game of his life for you to have a chance in The Shoe. And I think he's capable of it, so I'm not confident. Especially with Jake Ryan looking like mini Clay Matthews for you guys on Defense.

Hope both teams win out so The Game lives up to its billing in a few weeks.

Big Tennnnnnnn!!!

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:44 PM
(Reply to #30) #49
Generic MGoBlogger
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Similar???

You my "Ohio friend" have no remote idea if you are talking about how we have had similar growing pains... I'll make this short and to the point: Ohio didn't endure its worst 3 consecutive seasons in its history and already had numerous players that knew the offense Urban was going to bring. Michigan had probably the most ignorant man ever coach in three straight seasons and now we are having to pay for and clean up his mess. Man, must be tough down there with that 9-0 record down south!

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:55 PM
(Reply to #32) #50
UFM
Joined: 01/27/2012
MGoPoints: 238
My use of "similar" referred

My use of "similar" referred to the depth issues Hoke inherited at key positions similar to how Urban has inherited depth issues at key positions. You are correct that we are not similar in how our respective teams have performed over the last few years. You are incorrect in your statement that players on our offense were familiar with Urban's spread offense. No one was. Braxton certainly was not. Not sure what you were referring to.

Anyways, I speak for most rational OSU fans everywhere when I say that we are all glad Hoke has your team headed the right direction because without a strong OSU and Michigan, this conference and college football in general are worse off.

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:29 PM
(Reply to #41) #51
Generic MGoBlogger
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Thanks

Thanks for the clarification... Living in the south and being the target of criticism (Big Ten fan living in SEC country) I get a little touchy on the subject of Rich Rod... Some dark days alright.  And you do bring up a good point: I am glad Ohio and Michigan are on the right paths to restoring their names not only in the B1G, but on a national level. Thanks and GO Blue!

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October 30th, 2012 at 8:25 AM
(Reply to #32) #52
blueball97
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Joined: 02/19/2012
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Everything he said was

Everything he said was correct except OSU playing harder than the other teams they line up against. They don't play harder, they have better players, plain and simple  And if you think UM is better than Ohio right now you are kidding yourself. Their defense is mediocre at best, but their offense makes up for it. Our offense is mediocre at best and unfortuantely as good as our defense is, they can't score points. Relying on Denard to play the game of his life on the road to win is not something I put a lot of faith in. Having said that, it is a game much like the MSU game. No matter what has happened leading up to the game, barring a large talent discrepancy (see Rodriguez era) the game is usually close. I predict it comes down to the fourth quarter. UM pulls the upset and irritates OSU fans for another 365

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:55 PM
(Reply to #30) #53
BeantownWolverine
Joined: 10/07/2011
MGoPoints: 103
 I have short and short

 

I have short and short answers for you.

 

Without Denard or with not-so-healthy Denard: No, Michigan will lose the game.

With healthy Denard: Michigan wins. Michigan's D can put up a fight againt OSU offense, but OSU's D cannot. Keep in mind. Michigan's offense is much more potent than any stats show, with healthy Deanrd. Oh yeah... our team gells, too.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:55 PM
(Reply to #30) #54
Mmmm Hmmm
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For those reasons...

...I would agree that Michigan isn't better but is in a close enough neighborhood to make it difficult to call.

If the 2005 Michigan team could come within a defensive stand of winning against a far better Ohio team, I have to believe this year's team with its very stout defense stands a good chance.  This team has been tested repeatedly, although it has fallen short in three of the four games (MSU win, but 'Bama, ND, Neb); Ohio has not really been tested on the level of 'Bama (or even ND), but when things have been close it has come out ahead.  I tend to give less weight to common opponents like Nebraska--just because Ohio could put up 63 points on Nebraska's D doesn't mean they can do it on Michigan.

So is Michigan better than Ohio? Not by any metric that I know of, but for all the reasons you point out there is still a very strong chance that Michigan puts itself in a position to win and goes from there.

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:17 AM
(Reply to #30) #55
M-Wolverine
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How do we know that in two years

You're not just going to reveal yourself as a Nebraska fan who has been trolling us by pretending to be a guy?

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October 30th, 2012 at 1:53 AM
(Reply to #64) #56
UFM
Joined: 01/27/2012
MGoPoints: 238
I guess you'll just have to

I guess you'll just have to take that risk. ;)

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October 30th, 2012 at 4:20 PM
(Reply to #64) #57
buckeyejonross
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Joined: 07/27/2010
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Dude, he stole my thing and I

Dude, he stole my thing and I am crushed.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:47 PM
#58
Michigan4Life
Joined: 07/29/2010
MGoPoints: 16409
No

Michigan has really struggled to score against a terrible Nebraska defense. Yes the defense is good enough to keep them in the game but the offense isn't good enough period.

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October 30th, 2012 at 5:57 AM
(Reply to #34) #59
Lionsfan
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Joined: 06/03/2011
MGoPoints: 1962
And Ohio State struggled

And Ohio State struggled against a Purdue team we thrashed.

"The Offense isn't good enough period" - Small Samples Sizes for the Win! Especially when our star player was out for half the game!

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October 30th, 2012 at 10:07 AM
(Reply to #75) #60
Michigan4Life
Joined: 07/29/2010
MGoPoints: 16409
They failed to score

a TD against MSU defense with Denard healthy.  Even with Denard healthy, they scored 6 pts which is not good considering how bad the defense really is.

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:47 PM
(Reply to #85) #61
Lionsfan
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Joined: 06/03/2011
MGoPoints: 1962
With Denard healthy we were

With Denard healthy we were about to go up 10-7 at half, possibly more since Denard could have driven the offense right before halftime and gotten some points out of it

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October 30th, 2012 at 2:29 PM
(Reply to #104) #62
Michigan4Life
Joined: 07/29/2010
MGoPoints: 16409
Saying that Michigan could've scored a TD

is subjective and doesn't really say anything because Nebraska could have tighten down and hold them for a FG or force a TO.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:47 PM
#63
Rusty Shackleford
Joined: 04/03/2010
MGoPoints: 5981
Just to clarify

The OSU-Indiana game was not close. The closest they came until the last minute was a seven point lead during the third. From that point on they build an 18 point lead and traded touchdowns the rest of the game. They were never in danger of losing.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:57 PM
(Reply to #35) #64
BeantownWolverine
Joined: 10/07/2011
MGoPoints: 103
  C'mon. That game came down

 

C'mon. That game came down to an onside kick. It's close enough in a SHOOT OUT.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:51 PM
#65
keep_em_honest
Joined: 10/18/2012
MGoPoints: -891
OSU seems to always play up

OSU seems to always play up or down to their competition. 

...and of course UM will be their biggest game of the season so I would expect them to play well.

Next year their offense will be scary good because they return literally everyone.  Defense will still be a big question mark.

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October 29th, 2012 at 10:59 PM
(Reply to #38) #66
UFM
Joined: 01/27/2012
MGoPoints: 238
Co-sign. Keep in mind, we

Co-sign. Keep in mind, we lose Simon, Goebel and likely Hankins and Roby next season. Our defense will continue to be a work in progress and will rely way too much on underclass men. Yay crappy recruiting three-four years ago.

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October 30th, 2012 at 10:29 AM
(Reply to #44) #67
Gary_B
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Joined: 01/18/2011
MGoPoints: 566
I must be crazy...

You in no way, shape, or form had crappy recruiting on defense in the last 10 years. Offensive line, yes, but defense, no way.

2008: Williams, Sweat, Sabino, Mobley, Johnson, Howard, Goebel, Rowell, and Wells. Six of the nine are 4-star players. Your class that year was small, but it also had some of the most heralded offensive prospects in recent recruiting years. When that happens you tend to sacrifice some on the other side of the ball.

2009: Barnett, Bell, Bellamy, Brown, Clarke, Fellows, Klein, Newsome, Simon, Whiting, and Wood. Stacked with 4-star and 5-star talent.

2010: Baldwin, Bryant, Durham, Hagan, Hankins, McVey, Moore, and Turner. By far the weakest defensive class Ohio has had in 10 years...

2011: Bennett, Cash, Crowell, Farris, Gambrell, C. Grant, D. Grant, Hale, Hayes, Miller, Price, Shazier, and Tanner. Seven 4-star players, five on the verge of 4 stars, and one low 3-star player. That more than makes up for the prior year's class.

Sorry, but your argument that as a team your talent was as lacking as what Michigan was during a coaching transition is baseless. You guys talk about how you have depth issues at OL, yet you have taken 15 OL in 4 years. Not great, but by no means scary bad. We took 8! DBs in 4 years and only 4 were highly rated at 4 stars. Two left early before the coaching transition and one was forced to transfer because of an ineligibility error. That left us with 5 true DBs on our 2008 roster. Over the same 4 years, we only had 13 OL commits, 6 DT commits, 3 TE commits, and 10 LBs (most of which were middling 3-star players). Not to mention all the 4-star talent that up and left the team.

Bottom line: you are nowhere near close to feeling our pain.

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October 30th, 2012 at 11:05 AM
(Reply to #90) #68
UFM
Joined: 01/27/2012
MGoPoints: 238
As I noted in an earlier post

As I noted in an earlier post my comment about crappy recruiting referenced the fact tha highly touted recruits we relied on ended up either being busts or transferring or both. You're making my point for me by throwing the evidence out there on your post.

2009 class are true seniors today. Of the 11 players you named, THREE remain with this team. I count at least three linebackers that are no longer with this team from that class. Again, as I noted earlier in another post, do you think we play Zach Boren at MLB just for laughs?

2010 class (juniors): 4/8 remain of that class remain on this team. Again, some good linebackers in that class that did not pan out.

I have no gripes about the 2011 class ( sophomores) except for Curtis Grant, our supposed future at MLB for 2010-2014. Again, do you think we play Boren at MLB for laughs?

Obviously hits and misses on the recruiting trail happen. As do players getting homesick or disenchanted when their coach is forced to resign, etc. but the senior and junior class are uncharacteristically terrible looking back. Especially, as I said earlier, with regard to our back seven. Must've been bad luck, because I know Fickell can recruit the LB position (hawk and laurinaitis were 3 stars that he plucked out). Either way, Urban inherited a fragile back seven to say the least.

As for comparisons to your issues, I can't say for sure because I'm not as knowledgeable about your class's struggles. I will say this: we had to convert our starting TE to OT and our starting FB to MLB while rotating true freshmen at the SLB position to play alongside our "veteran" starting WLB, Shazier, who is a true sophomore. If you can show me worse depth issues at Michigan I'll gladly retract my comment about us having "similar" depth issues.

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November 1st, 2012 at 12:02 PM
(Reply to #94) #69
Gary_B
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Joined: 01/18/2011
MGoPoints: 566
To be clear

I do not believe your issues are the result of poor recruiting. All of your defensive players that committed were highly ranked and coveted by everyone. Busts happen, but many times it can be attributed to things that cannot be measured, such as a player not picking up on the defense, not transitioning well to the rigors of college, unforseen outside influences, etc. You have plenty of talent on your team.

As far as depth issues over the years at Michigan:

2008 - Three o-lineman graduate and one jumps ship to play for Ohio. Best WRs both leave early leaving us with 1 wide receiver with any meaningful playing time. Quarterbacks were non-existent once Ryan Mallet transferred out. Only options were a Georgia Tech transfer and a walk-on...

2009 - Most underclassmen on the two-deep roster in the nation. Nine true freshmen or red-shirt freshmen starters, including a walk-on. Linebackers were made up of converted safeties and receivers weighing 210 lbs. Middle LB backup was air.

2010 - Starting safety and corner injured, forced to play freshmen converted quarterback and receiver.

2011 - Two walk-ons on our d-line rotation. Couldn't run 2 TE sets unless we used a converted DE.

Also, terrible defensive coaching and zero player development of our back 7 for three years to boot. We went 3-9, 5-7, and 7-6 in those three years. Your 9-0 record after a coaching transition does not compare.

 

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:03 PM
(Reply to #38) #70
Mmmm Hmmm
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Joined: 09/12/2010
MGoPoints: 4476
Next year they also play only

Next year they also play only Cal in non-conference (with apparently one game to be scheduled) and miss MSU and Nebraska.  If Penn State implodes as expected their only difficult B1G games are Wisco and Michigan.  

Ohio could be perfectly mediocre and still undefeated or with a single loss by for The Game.

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October 30th, 2012 at 4:22 PM
(Reply to #47) #71
buckeyejonross
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Joined: 07/27/2010
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Vandy bailed on us.

Vandy bailed on us.

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:05 PM
#72
WolverineLake
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Joined: 07/10/2011
MGoPoints: 2878
Yes

'Tis far better to have failed at Michigan than to have graduated from Ohio State.



In all important facets of life, we are better than OSU.



/ homer

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:09 PM
#73
Soulfire21
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Joined: 03/18/2010
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Absolutely not

Absolutely not

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:14 PM
#74
MGoSoftball
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Joined: 10/18/2010
MGoPoints: 7684
Right now?

Probably not.  But I like our chances with Hoke and Denard vs Urban Legend and Miller.

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:16 PM
#75
TBone1966
Joined: 10/19/2012
MGoPoints: 21
Better?

Nope.

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:24 PM
#76
Bophades
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Joined: 06/05/2011
MGoPoints: 5083
I think our defense will by

I think our defense will by pumped for the Game, but unless our offensive unit begins to make progress in the next three weeks, this could come down to Gibbons' leg.  I think moving forward though, the O-line depth (or lack thereoff) at tsiO, will become a critical issue if it isn't addressed quickly.

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:38 PM
#77
Bophades
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@ the Muschamp gif

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:40 PM
#78
Perkis-Size Me
Joined: 11/30/2011
MGoPoints: 40807
Both teams are going to come

Both teams are going to come out pumped up for this game, and it'll be closer than most people think. If you made me guess right now, I'd say OSU wins by less than a TD, simply because its a home game for them. I don't really buy into the whole "this is their bowl game" crap. This is our most important game, too. Given how close some of OSU's games have been this year, a UMich win wouldn't surprise me.



I'd say both of these teams are on even playing fields right now. I think their offense is much more balanced, but our defense is better than theirs. One way or another, should make for one hell of a matchup.

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October 29th, 2012 at 11:53 PM
#79
BlueinLansing
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Joined: 09/01/2009
MGoPoints: 16425
How close the OSU

game will be will depend entirely on if OSU can hit the deep passes that were WIDE open last year.

 

It could be close or a rout.

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:12 AM
#80
markusr2007
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Joined: 10/21/2008
MGoPoints: 15664
The Stats say this will be a great game.

If Michigan had an explosive passing offense, I think Ohio State would be toast. Except Michigan doesn't.

Defense:  Michigan  might have a slight edge here.  That edge might be razor sharp if only Ohio were a passing team. Except their not.

Rushing Yards: Ohio 33rd, Michigan 52nd (1,005 yds vs. 1,161 yds)

Passing Yards: Ohio 119th, Michigan 1st (2,501 yds vs 1,162 yrds)

Scoring Def: Ohio 50th, Michigan 14th (28 pts vs. 17 pts/gm)

 

Offense: Ohio has a significant advantage in my opinion

Scoring: Ohio 21st, Michigan 64th (38.6 pts vs. 28 pts/gm)

Rushing: Ohio 7th, Michigan 29th (2231 yds vs. 1653 yrds)

Passing: Ohio 88th, Michigan 110th (1655 yds vs 1372 yrds)

1st downs: It's pretty even at 19 to 20 per game for both teams

3rd D Conv %: Ohio 44.7%, Michigan 47.3%

Borges could set up Denard to succeed big time in this game with the right calls and if Denard can "stay on target".  

I don't think either team will run the ball effectively in this game.

Turnovers (INTs!), penalties and special teams play will dictate the outcome of a close game. 

I don't think Ohio is unbeaten heading in to the Michigan game.. They've got too much historical bad mojo vs. Wisconsin in Madison, in what will be the Badgers' last home game of the season and a must-win for UW to get to the title game.

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October 30th, 2012 at 9:28 AM
(Reply to #63) #81
Metzger
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Joined: 08/31/2012
MGoPoints: 117
I think "staying on target"

I think "staying on target" is always the question.  I think Borges called up an agressive plan against Notre Dame.  While Michigan was moving the ball against a very good defense, the turnovers killed us.  I think the agressiveness lead to the turnovers (besides some really stupid throws).  Against Nebraska, our offense couldn't move the ball well because we were so conservative.  

So what do you want?  conservative playcalling that barely moves the ball?  or agressive playcalling that moves the ball, but is mistake prone?

I'd rather unleash Denard and live with the potential mistakes.

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:18 AM
#82
M-Wolverine
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MGoPoints: 42199
Are we better than OSU right now?

Don't have to be; just have to be better than them in a month.

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October 30th, 2012 at 5:54 AM
(Reply to #65) #83
Finance-PhD
Joined: 09/02/2012
MGoPoints: 1167
That is so very true. There

That is so very true. There is a month of football and injuries and exposed weaknesses in the mean time can really be what sets the game.

 

I am picking Michigan to win but I am not actually putting my paycheck on it.

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:42 AM
#84
Bophades
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Let's hope the offense can

Let's hope the offense can find another gear or at least a gear period, before the game

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October 30th, 2012 at 2:04 AM
#85
Tater
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Joined: 08/13/2008
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Better?

I think the teams are fairly equal if both have their #1 QB's.  If either has to go to the bench, though, there is a severe degradation of the "sample."

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October 30th, 2012 at 4:28 AM
(Reply to #72) #86
Urban Warfare
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Joined: 09/28/2010
MGoPoints: 1691
I disagree.  In the Purdue

I disagree.  In the Purdue game, Guiton showed he could step in and keep the offense moving.  He's managed to score on almost every possession he's been under center for.  Now, would I want him starting over Braxton?  No, but if Braxton were, God forbid, to get hurt early on, I'm confident that Kenny G. could keep the offense moving smoothly. 

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October 30th, 2012 at 6:05 AM
#87
Lionsfan
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Joined: 06/03/2011
MGoPoints: 1962
I bet if we were to go back a

I bet if we were to go back a year ago and reread the boards after the Iowa loss, there's probably a thread exactly like this. Talking about how our Offense is doomed and OSU is gonna kill us

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October 30th, 2012 at 10:04 AM
(Reply to #76) #88
UM Indy
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Don't Think So

Ohio St sucked last year and couldn't complete a forward pass before they played us.

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October 30th, 2012 at 10:27 AM
(Reply to #83) #89
Lionsfan
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Joined: 06/03/2011
MGoPoints: 1962
Still, this whole sky is

Still, this whole sky is falling mentality regarding our offense is fucking stupid. If Denard had played all 4 quarters and we still had the same result, then yeah I would be worried. But as long as Denard is healthy, I see no reason why we shouldn't beat OSU

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October 30th, 2012 at 10:43 AM
(Reply to #88) #90
Don
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Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 70413
I see no reason why we shouldn't beat OSU

If the game were being played in Ann Arbor, I'd agree 100% with you.

You may see no difference between playing at home and playing on the road—especially against OSU—but Michigan's record speaks for itself in that regard. Michigan has yet to prove it can beat a quality team in their stadium under Hoke.

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October 30th, 2012 at 8:47 AM
#91
Darker Blue
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Joined: 10/30/2011
MGoPoints: 23318
Our Defense is light years

Our Defense is light years better then Ohio's defense. Our offense isn't as good as ohio's offense. They say that great defense wins championships, so yes I would say that we can beat ohio. 

 

Plus we have the "we've never had TerreLOLe Pryor on our roster" factor in our favor. We are better. MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICH

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October 30th, 2012 at 9:24 AM
#92
Metzger
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Before Nebraska, I would have

Before Nebraska, I would have said we get the edge.  After Nebraksa, Michigan has shown to be inept on offense against better defenses (this has been the case for the past several years!!!).   OSU ranks pretty good in run defense and terribly in pass defense.  What does Mich like to do? Run.   I was pretty confidene that Michigan woudl win against Nebraka with our defense getting better, but now, I have very little confidence. 

Having said that, we almost beat Notre Dame... but they are overrated. 

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October 30th, 2012 at 10:17 AM
(Reply to #81) #93
Lionsfan
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How long are we gonna keep

How long are we gonna keep saying "Notre Dame is overrated". In a year where a lot of people were picking them to have 4+ losses (maybe even 6), they've gone undefeated, and have a great shot to have a perfect season

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October 31st, 2012 at 9:54 AM
(Reply to #87) #94
Metzger
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Someone has to balance out

Someone has to balance out the homer that is Lou Holtz.

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October 30th, 2012 at 10:17 AM
#95
Don
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We haven't beaten OSU in Columbus since 2000

And that streak isn't going to change this year, even if Denard is healthy. Our record at home under Hoke is still unblemished, but on the road it's a different story (like it is for most teams). During the regular season under Brady Hoke, Michigan has not once gone on the road and beaten a team with a winning record for the season. Our mediocre offense (6th and 7th in scoring and total offense, respectively in the conference) does not support our excellent defense, and that's a killer on the road against potent offenses, which OSU has.

A critical aspect of our mediocre offense is that outside of Denard, we have no running game of any consequence, while OSU has two of the top ten rushers in the conference in Miller and Hyde.

Big Ten statistics here: http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/stats/2012-2013/confstat.html

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October 30th, 2012 at 10:27 AM
#96
bronxblue
Joined: 11/22/2008
MGoPoints: 59237
How about we let the next

How about we let the next coupel of games play out before we start comparing UM to OSU.

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October 30th, 2012 at 10:45 AM
#97
MGoStrength
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Tough Question

If you look at records, yes they are better than us.  They found a way to come from behind in an improbably situation and win with their backup QB on the road, and we...well imploded.  We have a similar style of QBs.  Our defense has been more consistent, but theirs seems to play well in big games like MSU and PSU.  If you look at our common opponents, they beat MSU 17-16, we beat them 12-10.  They beat Nebraska 68-38, we lost 23-9.  They beat Purdue 29-22 in OT, we beat them 44-13.  What does that tell you?  IDK

 

It seems to me that their offense is more consistent and our defense is more consistent.  But, I do think they have the talent on defense to win as is evident in their big games.  They obviously haven't played a top 10 team like ND or Bama.  I may get negged for this but ultimately I think they beat us this year because of our lack of consistency on offense and even more so on the road.  But, I also think we would beat them at home.  So, I really have no idea, who is a better team as we are both good at some things, and deficient at others.

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:04 PM
(Reply to #92) #98
Urban Warfare
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Winning with their backup QB

Winning with their backup QB on the road?  What game are you talking about?

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:49 PM
(Reply to #101) #99
Jazzviper
Joined: 01/16/2011
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Winning w/ BU QB

Purdue

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October 30th, 2012 at 8:25 PM
(Reply to #105) #100
Urban Warfare
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Purdue was at Ohio State

Purdue was at Ohio State though.  Guiton played one series at Indiana and one or two series at MSU, but Braxton came back in for both of them.  I'm not sure which road game he's talking about.

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October 30th, 2012 at 11:11 AM
#101
Hannibal.
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Hard to say how good OSU is. 

Hard to say how good OSU is.  They have had the good fortune of playing just above their level of competition in most of their games.  Their worst games have been against their worst competition.  Is that luck, or good coaching?  I have been watching football for over 30 years and I still am not sure.  I do know that if the OSU team that showed up against Cal, Purdue, or UAB had shown up against Penn State or Nebraska, OSU would not be undefeated. 

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October 30th, 2012 at 11:33 AM
#102
Don
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We've entered Bizarro world

where Michigan and OSU partisans are arguing strenuously about how much worse their own recruiting has been than their rival's.

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October 30th, 2012 at 11:39 AM
#103
MGlobules
Joined: 11/17/2008
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probably

not

Thank god for our D.

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:00 PM
#104
DenverBuckeye
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UM vs OSU

This is honestly a fun comparison because the strengths and weaknesses of both teams are completely evident. OSU is great at stopping the run (via RB or running QB), but struggles with spread QB's who deliver accurate passes in the intermediate game. When teams have not been able to make OSU pay for this weakness, OSU has won by multiple scores (See Miami, Nebraska). So the question comes down to Denard, as it should. Because as good as Michigan's D has been, I don't think they will completely stop Miller, Hyde, the Smiths, Philly Brown, and Stoneburner. OSU will score in this game. First, will Denard be healthy enough to be full go in The Game? And if he is, will he be accurate enough to exploit OSU's weakness? I don't think Denard goes on the road and runs for 200. Meyer will make Denard's injured arm beat OSU. I don't see it happening this year for Michigan simply because Denard has never proven he could go on the road for a big game and beat someone through the air even when healthy.

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:27 PM
#105
Smash Lampjaw
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How about...

is Braxton better than Denard? That should start some fireworks. Braxton is getting the Heisman hype right now, but when the two college careers are complete, who will have the numbers? What would Urban do with Denard? What would he do with Devin? For my money, Devin and Braxton are twins, and if Devin had the starting job thrust upon him as a (rs?) freshman would he be getting Heisman hype now?

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October 30th, 2012 at 12:59 PM
(Reply to #103) #106
DenverBuckeye
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Not Really.

For it to work correctly, you need to compare Sophomore Miller to Sophomore Robinson as that was the first full year of starting for both. Braxton has a higher ceiling. He has better passing mechanics and a stronger arm than sophomore Denard and is a different runner. He has about 25-30 pounds on Denard as well as a couple inches which allow him to power through tackles a little more. Denard is faster, but Braxton is shiftier. Braxton also turns the ball over less as a sophomore than senior Denard does. From watching both, I'd take Braxton and it's not because I'm biased. Braxton is just a better run/pass combo.

And their careers won't be looked at just for numbers. Otherwise, Graham Harrell would be considered one of the greatest college QBs in history.

And no, Braxton and Devin are not twins. If Devin was as good as Braxton he would never have been moved to WR. He had plenty of opportunity to show the coaches that he is a QB.

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October 30th, 2012 at 4:51 PM
(Reply to #106) #107
profitgoblue
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I won't debate your statement

I won't debate your statement thats Braxton is a better passer and stronger with respect to fighting off tackles because you're probably right, but I think you are 100% incorrect when you say that Braxton is "shiftier" than Denard.  Watch more video and see how Denard changes direction at full speed - there are very, very few runners at any level that can do that at such a high rate of speed.

And you're wrong that their careers will not be looked at just for numbers.  Braxton will not have won anything significant in his time at OSU due to circumstances beyond his control and everyone will remember Denard's record-breaking performances for Michigan (especially if he becomes the all-time leading rusher among QBs).

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October 30th, 2012 at 9:24 PM
(Reply to #118) #108
Urban Warfare
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On what are you basing your

On what are you basing your prediction about Braxton not winning anything "significant?" 

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October 31st, 2012 at 12:14 PM
(Reply to #118) #109
buckeyejonross
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Joined: 07/27/2010
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Braxton Miller is

Braxton Miller is shiftier/has better moves than Denard. He's on Reggie Bush's level for open field moves. It's silly. Denard has strong cutbacks and is faster/accelerates faster, but if you don't think Braxton's moves are better, you haven't watched a lot of Braxton Miller's moves. Also, I'm not sure how you can say Miller won't win anything. He's about to have his junior and senior seasons as the Heisman favorite and he will be leading a team that is projected to go undefeated? Barring injury (which, very possible, knock on wood), OSU is the safest bet to win the B1G/go 12-0 next year?

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October 30th, 2012 at 1:19 PM
#110
Tyang
Joined: 09/14/2011
MGoPoints: 412
Ohio is better than us right

Ohio is better than us right now

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October 30th, 2012 at 3:22 PM
(Reply to #107) #111
SanFrancisco_Wo...
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Joined: 11/16/2009
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I don't disagree with this.

I don't disagree with this.

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October 30th, 2012 at 1:57 PM
#112
michelin
Joined: 09/22/2009
MGoPoints: 2203
Strength of schedule

UM is in a virtual tie with Ohio according to the Sagarin PREDICTOR ratings (which are the most accurate  in predicting future game outcomes).  Why?  According to Sagarin, UM has played the #1 and #2 teams in the nation--both on the road--while Ohio hasn't played anybody in the top twenty.  Seemingly, their toughest was Neb=#25, but they played that at home.  Thus, if you subtract 3 points from Neb's ratings for the Ohio home field advantage, Ohio's toughest game actually was MSU, a #35-rated team that they beat by one point.

Also,  when Robinson played most of the game (up until last week), UM had nearly a 3 point lead over Ohio in the Sagarin ratings--meaning that the game in Columbus would have been a tossup (after spotting Ohio a 3 point advantage for home field).  

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt12.htm

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October 30th, 2012 at 4:25 PM
#113
jsquigg
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Joined: 09/06/2009
MGoPoints: 6143
I guarantee The Game will be

I guarantee The Game will be close.  I have my doubts based on Hoke's road record that we will pull it out, but with our defense anything's possible.  As for being better than Ohio, Michigan always is.

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October 30th, 2012 at 6:22 PM
#114
AMazinBlue
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Joined: 10/12/2008
MGoPoints: 4825
With no word on Denard's health and the

current(RIGHT NOW) state of the team, I say, and it pains me greatly to say this....NO WAY!   There are problems up front on offense, the QB spot is a HUGE question if Denard is hurt and the secondary seems to be giving up more big plays.  Although our pass defense is rated no. 1 in the country.

Denard being healthy and the oline being able to open holes is the key to the whole show.  If the running game works, we're competitive against anyone in the B1G.  If Denard is out or we can't rush the ball, we're in HUGE trouble.  It all hinges on Denard's health/  No offense to Bellomy.  He's a redshirt freshman.  The poor kid has seen no action and the receivers weren't catching for him.

This week is a big indicator of where the team is.

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