Beat Nebraska.

I love me some positivity. I still think this team is capably of finishing at least 8-4, with 9-3 being most likely and who knows? If they enter the osu game at 9-2 maybe that will give them enough momentum to spoil their undefeated season. Go Blue!

Iowa did put up 24 points on osu. That's just Iowa offense bein Iowa offense too nothin special. If Indiana game uofm offense shows up it all comes down to stop Braxton and Hyde. I don't think we will win but writing us off isn't fair either! Like you said be positive!

We must be watching different Michigan teams.  The Michigan team I've been watching all year really hasn't done much to prove that it can beat anyone other than stone cold lifeless, body bag teams.  How long do we hang our hat on Notre Dame?  Predicting road wins?  Predicting beating OSU?  You must be trolling.    

We have a shot at Ohio.  Look at how bad NW is and how they played in Evanston.  How many hostile environments has Ohio played in this year? Ryan Field? I'm sorry if you're upset that I'm not predicting we finish 6-6 while losing every other game we have left by 50 points.

are their Sacks and TFLs.  Those are most directly related to defensive line play, and they're as good as MSU there.  They've had trouble with linebackers and injuries, so their overall numbers don't look good.  Nebraska fans tell me their defensive line is actually about the only part of their team that does well.

Which is a possible ticket to another disaster.  A strong d-line means pentration, and the offense blows up yet again.  Fortunately, their offense is having problems, and we may squeak through it.  It's going to be close, though, from what I can see.

I think we win, but it will be close and a late turnover may decide it.

The thing about being an inconsistent team: sometimes you're bad...

... but sometimes you're damned GOOD!

We can definitely pull off a win against Nebraska!  Yes, we looked bad against MSU, but let's not sell their defensive line short.  So part of it was us playing poorly, but part of it was MSU playing well.

Nebraska's defense is not nearly so formidable.

We'll worry about Ohio when we get to Ohio.  Let's just get the first win of our new winning streak under our belt.  Nebraska is entirely beatable.

It'll be a great game for Devin.

Screw my username!

preach.... I love the optimism man, I've been saying all year ][\/][ will be Ohio at home, whatcha gonna do brother, when hokemania runs wild on you brother!

what is this emotion you are trying to encourage? be gone with you, spirit of goodness.

It was discussed a little in another thread, but from a predictive analytics (because this is what we all use, right?) standpoint anyway, you won't find a wholly unmanageable game left on the schedule. Yes, of all the games, the biggest gap exists in the OSU game, but using Sagarin's numbers, we wouldn't be much more than a one-TD underdog, which I could actually buy from a matchup standpoint. 

Nebraska and Northwestern are definitely winnable, and the Iowa game would be more or less a good either-way bet, primarily because the game is in Iowa City. All in all, the numbers would seem to say that 2-2 is quite likely the rest of the way, with 3-1 definitely possible. 4-0 would be awesome but less likely. No outcome impossible at this point, of course. 

A nice win over a "name" program would help the bruised feelings on the team.  But sometimes the W-L record can feel hollow or overrated.  I can't remember too many games this year where I felt good after a win.  ND might have been it.  

If I'm not mistaken, I believe Nebraska and NW have pretty soft D-lines, so maybe we can at least build up the confidence of the O-line going into the OSU game.

Maybe I'm crazy.  I'm still holding on to a 5% chance that Sparty loses two more games and we win out to force a three way tie atop the standings and give us a spot in the B1G title game.  

If this blog doesn't win the Tears Of Unfathomable Sadness and the Scott Tenorman Of The Week then I just don't know.

(EDIT: OP, this is not directed at you, I love your optimism!)

It took a last second Hail Mary from Nebraska, at home (and yes their home crowd is into games and loud) to defeat Northwestern, who is winless in the B1G right now.  Nebraska should be the easiest win left on the schedule, so I am confident about that game and Northwestern. 

They should be fine no more Mac schools on the schedule.

Next three are winnable, Nebraska, NWestern, and Iowa.  I can see us dropping one of those, maybe, but not all 3.  Nebraska has been less than impressive.  NWestern has dropped 5 in a row.  Iowa gave OSU a game but has generally been unimpressive as well.

Ain't beatin' Ohio.  Maybe we'll make a game out of it but I doubt it, unless Gardner plays out of his mind; which he'll have to, considering the poor OL play.

I feel more confident about taking out Nebraska than the Iowa game.  Nebraska's offense with Martinez at full strength is very different than this Nebraska.  Their QB threw 3 INT and was replaced by a 5th year walk on who threw the Hail Mary.  They didnt score on offense in the 2nd half versus a poor Northwestern team until the Hail Mary.  UM should be able to outscore them and comfortably even without much ability to run running backs.  Our rush defense is solid so Nebraska will be forced to throw it.  I see a very similar game to Notre Dame.

I see a very tough game to Iowa though; road game, tough defense, operational offense for Iowa - gave OSU dogfight, etc.  They will be up for that game big time.

I have no idea what Northwestern is right now.  I cannot believe a pre-season division contender will go an entire Big 10 season without a win and they only have 3 chances left.

Urbz will show no mercy.  This is not like the 90s when an underachieving UM team with 3-4 losses but plenty of NFL talent knocked off Cooper's teams.  OSU defense was quite weak early in the year but is probably younger than ours and has made some leaps although verus very weak competition but you can see some individual players beginning to shine in the underclassmen.  And if they are undefeated which they should be, they need to shine for pollsters so we wont get a mercy rule... I expect a relatively close first half and then OSU to impose physical dominance in 2nd half as we wear down.

I have us 2-2 the rest of the year, Neb win, OSU loss and the other 2 games some form of split.

Iowa and Northwestern are very winnable home games. If Nebraska or Ohio were away then I don't think Michigan wins that.

I guess we're going to put this team through the gauntlet. I feel they'll step it up after last game. I feel 3-1 over the next 4 is likely but I'm really diggin the 4-0, OP!

Buckle up, everyone... The next few weeks will be a wild ride!

Go Blue!

Michigan could go 10-2 or 6-6 and I wouldn't be entirely shocked at either at this point.

HOWEVER, I think they will probably finish at 9 wins, with the loss probably being Ohio or Iowa. I could absolutely be wrong, but I am fairly confident that Michigan will handle Nebraska w/out Taylor Martinez (and still was in good shape to win with him) and beat Northwestern by 10-13 points, as neither has a Defense.

Iowa has a solid D and a below average, but consistent Offense. With the game being the next week, this is probably a low scoring trap game where Michigan loses.

The Game... I have no clue. Matchups say Michigan should lose, but they almost won last year before Borges went full turtle before halftime. If Borges stays aggressive and keeps passing (I know, big if) and Gardner learns to throw the ball away, then Michigan should win a close one.

I vote that all threads created between the hours of 12am and 5am be automatically deleted.

Anyonw who thinks UM isn't going to get merked by OSU is delusional. Urbs isn't Tressel. He will run it up and feel no shame in doing so. As soon as we all admit that the healing can begin.

Obviously, UM under Hoke at home is a lot different than UM on the road. That said, I don't necessarily agree with the OP's assumption that OSU will overlook UM. What is different about this year's OSU team from previous undefeated OSU teams is that they aren't getting any respect in the national media (some rightfully so but this team is playing very good football right now). Even if they are a double digit favorite, they know that they have to win impressively to even get mentioned in the NC talk. And when was the last time Urban didn't get his team up for a big game? UM has a shot against OSU because it is at home, it's The Game, UM's offense has shown glimpses of being very formiddable at times this year, the defense has actually played pretty damn well and because I still remember the Cooper era but not because OSU will look past them.  

I like our chances in our next 3, and well, who knows about Ohio.  I'd expect them to be a double digit favorite and I wouldn't bet the farm on a Michigan victory, but that's "why we play the games".

Idk how "Beat Nebraska" & "take this thing one game at a time" turned into we are going to win out. 

Let's just start with Nebraska huh? Should be a fun game to watch. I think we can put up 40 points on that defense. Especially after the State game. The offense might be like, "whoa, this is easy."

The basketball team is playing Nebraska this weekend? Already? NIce. Seems early in the season, but I'll take it. I'm happy there is a game worth watching this weekend other than hockey. 

Think that Michigan has a legit chance to beat Nebraska, Iowa, and N'Western... I can't only hope that we do, and head into THE GAME 9-2.... Where ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN! Go Blue!!!!!!!!!!

And...come on.  We've been gashed on runs by Notre Dame and other spreads.  You really think this defense can handle Braxton Miller, Carlos Hyde, Devin Smith, Corey Brown?  I think Ohio gets its 28 points (and that's before we count turnovers).

If we get to 10-2, it will make up for the fact that Michigan will be watching the B1G championship game from home AGAIN.  If we go 9-3 it won't (unless we somehow beat Ohio, and even that is more consolation than real achievement). 

Michigan is an 8-point favorite according to advanced stats: 

http://thepowerrank.com/predictions/

I agree with what has been said above. MSU is a very good program and I think any of our last 4 games are winnable. OSU will be very tough but anything can happen in the game

Its funny that with all the bitching it's still a real possibility we win 10 games this year.

We're losing to Ohio State but the other 3 games are winnable and who knows who we get in a bowl game.

Michigan has been playing down to their opponents all season. NE coming off a big last second luck win  and will have a lot confidence. Michigan's team my be lacking some confidence. These close games don't always end well. But hopefully MIchigan can pull it  out.

We haven't been able to address all the issues or improve since UCONN.  If we lose Sat, why should I expect improvement?  Winning is MANDATORY this week.

Hate Nebraska and I want us to win this game badly. I can't make a ten memorable plays video this week because we haven't played them enough. I could, however, make a video that shows ten horrible calls by the Sun Belt officials that handed Nebraska the 2005 Alamo Bowl game. But that wouldn't be very fun.

We suck, and Ohio will be very well prepared.  I see them trying to win style points on every game and I bet they'll come in with a game plan to put up 50 points on us in our first loss.

Greetings Wolverine Nation!! My buddies and I are HUGE college football fans. Two OSU Beaver fans, and one Duck (we let him come with us anyways). The three of us travel to a different college football stadium every fall for our annual boys weekend, which we call our Fall's Cathedral Tour. Often times we also piggy back an NFL game on Sunday... A few years ago we were in Alabama, and the local paper got wind of our trip...and actually wrote an article about it. Here is the link: http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20091108/news/911079948 This year's tour takes us to the Big House. Will be in town for the Nebraska/Michigan game on 11/9, and then headed to Chicago on Sunday to watch the Bears. We couldn't be more excited to experience everything that Ann Arbor and U of M have to offer. Trips in the past have included: Penn State, ND, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Mizzou. By far our best trips involve connecting with other crazy football fans! We typically approach our trip, as if we were old alumni who haven't visited in years...looking to relive our college days. We want to go to the best pubs... smoke the best cigars...eat the greasiest breakfast... we want it all!! We will be blazing Michigan colors and rooting for the home team. We really could use some advice on the following topics: 1. Do you have a great tailgater that a couple of football fans from Oregon could crash? We aren't free loaders...we are happy to contribute... we just want to talk college football and drink a few beers! Our best trips have involved us connecting with the local fans. 2. What things are traditional for Michigan fans... Any pre-game activities either Friday night or Saturday we should be aware of? 3. Friday night... where should we go? Best pubs... college bars..etc? Same for Saturday after the game? 4. What are we missing... what do we have to do to make our trip to Michigan memorable?? 5. We are still looking for tickets... advice on the best way to acquire? We aren't afraid to scalp on gameday... which is fine too. Thanks in advance for any advice you might have. You can reach me via email at [email protected] Dave

I would not be surprised at any outcome. Michigan could win 42-10 or lose 42-10.

We're already bowl eligible. 

/s

Just what I needs to get fired back up for the rest of the season. hoke Springs Eternal man...







But if we lose this one so help me....

I think this game will really tell a lot about the coaching staff and this team. How do the players and coaches respond? Has the coaching staff lost the team? If Michigan comes out and looks lost and plays poorly this could be a bigger indicator of things to come then the MSU game was.

If this team is better than the 2010 team, it's only marginally so. Our realistic upside is 8-4 in the regular season. I see a possible win at home against Nebraska as our last "better than toss-up" of the year, only because we're playing at home against a Nebraksa team with about as many issues as we have.

I also see a very real 6-6 regular season downside that wouldn't surprise me at all.

We haven't done well in recent years at Kinnick. Northwestern's also on the road, and I guess we'll have to see what the state of their health is.

This isn't Bo's 1969 team, which was a very good football team that progressed during the year. I remember that team well. Team 134 has struggled in too many games this year, and is not showing improvement. Those who see the OSU game as winnable are wonderfully optimistic and will probably have their souls crushed by Urbz' boys, but miracles do happen and I am rooting for a good outcome regardless.

As to a bowl, some here have called lesser bowls "meaningless," but they are important to the development of next year's squad because they offer additional practice opportunities and more game experience. So any bowl game is meaningful in that sense.

A loss to Nebraska, and I think this team will be so deflated that they will give up on the season. If that happens, there's a real possibility that Hoke "loses the lockerroom," and 2014 will be his last Michigan season.

Both teams are pretty evenly matched, you are  very tough at home, and as I mentioned on another thread, half our starting offense is out with injuries, including Martinez, all-American lineman Spencer Long, and all-B1G receiver Kenny Bell.

Our D is talented but very young, so inconsistent. Getting better. One thing they've done well is get turnovers, so we're looking to get some more against DG.

Though you deserve to be favored, Nebraska has a lot to play for. For some reason we've had State's number and we play them at home. So a sweep of the Michigans would likely mean the Legends title for us.

Funny how similar the negativity, "can't settle for mediocrity"  and "fire the coach" thinking on this blog mirrors Nebraska forums. I happen to think it's overblown as far as Pelini.

Anyway, may the best team win, next time we meet might be in a B1G title game.

I didn't want to create a whole post about this, but: can any students answer a question about logistics with the new rules?

A friend is trying to go to the game in a group of 3, but is obviously having trouble finding 3 tickets together.  He's thinking about getting 2 non-student tickets and 1 student ticket, and then borrowing a couple of the "section tickets" from neighbors in the student section so he can walk his friends in.  Will that work?  Are people generally friendly about that, or does the usher-student antipathy make everybody tight-fisted?

Also: love it, michiganman14.  Definitely agree that the next 3 are totally winnable, and — despite our pessimistic sports fan perceptions — you can't count out any Michigan team in The Game.  If the sane and logical reasons that make a win against OSU seem really unlikely were all there is to it, well, why would we even be fans?  Go Blue!

I remember traveling up for Nebraska 2011 to see two Top 20 teams thinking "I have no idea how this game will unfold", and Michigan putting the hammer down 45-17.  I have a hunch this game will proceed similarly, although by not the same wide margin.  38-24 Michigan, I say.