If You're Worried About Let Down for BTCG, Read This
Honestly, I have been worried about a let down for this Saturday's game after the huge win over Ohio.
Here's a good article about Aiden Hutchinson. Bottom line - he is a team leader (no joke) and he had two major goals entering this season - beating Ohio State, and winning the Big 10 Championship. It is clear that he feels that the job is not done.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32755368/aidan-hutchinson-working-fulfill-own-michigan-football-legacy-big-ten-title
December 1st, 2021 at 11:52 AM ^
Thanks for the link!
December 1st, 2021 at 11:55 AM ^
Aidan
December 1st, 2021 at 12:02 PM ^
*sigh* I double-checked to make sure that I spelled Hutchinson correctly.
Poor spelling - one of the curses of being an engineer.
December 1st, 2021 at 2:30 PM ^
True. But software engineers designed spelling checkers as a remedy.
Then, … unintended consequences … , we opened the door to autocorrection miscommunication.
December 1st, 2021 at 9:28 PM ^
I find it weird that people keep misspelling his name. I always thought of Aidan as the more usual spelling. Not sure I've ever heard of an Aiden.
December 1st, 2021 at 12:58 PM ^
For posting a link, look in the figures at the top of "Comment." There's a B for bold, and an I for Italic. Then to their right is a flat oval that looks like a link in a chain. Click that, a box opens, and paste the link in it.
I didn't know how to link something for a long time, and kept seeing snark at those who posted but also didn't know. Then I saw someone give instructions, which both helped me and reminded me that's it a nice thing to help other people.
December 1st, 2021 at 12:05 PM ^
there is a lot to unpack with this photo.
December 1st, 2021 at 1:14 PM ^
Literal packing
December 1st, 2021 at 11:52 AM ^
The thing that makes me feel most confident heading into this game is indeed the amount and quality of upperclassman leadership on this team. A really remarkable group of guys
December 1st, 2021 at 11:52 AM ^
These young men have already proven that they believe in themselves, so I believe in them too
December 1st, 2021 at 12:01 PM ^
Jim Harbaugh on #2 Michigan's loss to #1 Iowa in 1985:
When Iowa kicker Houghtlin's last second field goal went through the uprights to win the game for the Hawkeyes, "it felt like someone reached in and pulled everything out."
I think Coach Harbaugh will have them ready to play on Saturday night.
Go Blue!
December 1st, 2021 at 12:27 PM ^
I think that game made me the maddest I've ever been as a Michigan fan. Nothing since compares. Maybe I was just a younger hothead in those days and years later and much BPONE, I'm much mellower.
December 1st, 2021 at 1:12 PM ^
That was a bad one. I was young but I still think 1973 and the vote was the worst
December 1st, 2021 at 12:34 PM ^
Short story: Many years ago when I was working in the advertising industry in Detroit, I had the chance to speak to a Rob Houghtlin on the phone. When I asked if he was "that" Rob Houghtlin, the kicker from Iowa, he replied that he was.
I replied, "Please don't take this personally, but I went to Michigan, so I hate your guts."
He laughed, and said he always enjoyed hearing that.
Nice guy, and obviously had a good sense of humor. But Mr. Houghtlin - it's payback time.
GO BLUE!
December 1st, 2021 at 7:07 PM ^
I was at that game and had a similar feeling.
December 1st, 2021 at 12:08 PM ^
Beat Finland
December 1st, 2021 at 12:09 PM ^
Not saying this is an easy game at all--but the fact that it's the Big Ten Championship really assuages my concern about a post-Ohio State letdown. If it were just another game, it might be tough; I'm confident this team will come ready to play for the championship.
December 1st, 2021 at 2:12 PM ^
That was similar to what Jon Jansen said on In the Trenches yesterday, that nearly by definition, a championship game is never "a trap game."
December 1st, 2021 at 4:46 PM ^
Agree with this line of thinking. Everything we've heard is that they have two goals - beat ohio state and win the conference. They're not done yet, and they know it.
As for the rest (CFP), it will work itself out.
December 1st, 2021 at 12:15 PM ^
That was a fun read!
I would normally be worried about a letdown after a game like OSU. But with Hutchinson, McNamara, and Haskins around, I cannot fathom that being an actual problem. They probably won't be as sky-high for it, but they'll be focused and ready to play. It's who they are.
Iowa is looking forward to a slightly disinterested opponent. They won't get that.
December 1st, 2021 at 12:26 PM ^
Great article from our old friend Tom "hold me" VanHaaren.
Aiden is the reason I believe the journey is not over.
December 1st, 2021 at 12:28 PM ^
I hope we have the majority of fans. Will help keep them going. I know Iowa travels but they can't come in confident in winning. Hope that detracts from their fan enthusiasm.
December 1st, 2021 at 1:22 PM ^
The sentiment from either Iowa fans or the football members was relief that they didn't have to face ohio state. Little do they know, this Michigan team is hot and improving each week. They choose to pick their poison.
December 1st, 2021 at 6:02 PM ^
I will admit I have lurked some Iowa message boards the last couple days and at least the board I was on it’s fairly consensus that they are going to win because they stop the run better than OSU, better special teams, run up the middle with Goodson, and Ferentz black magic (they overall don’t respect our defense it seems too). Only a very small few (in my short time of lurking) are talking about how average Petras is and how Hutch and Ojabo are terrifying matchups. Overall they seem very cocky and arrogant and have sort of an MSU-lite level of loving being the disrespected underdog, and sort of an SEC level of wal-mart fandom….again, only one board and it could be the RCMB of Iowa football.
Oh….They are also really really banking on the fact that Michigan let out all their emotion on Ohio State and will come in overconfident and play crappy against a scrappy and hungry for an upset Iowa team that is playing in the the type of game they love.
I don’t have the heart to tell them that this team is wildly different and is also playing with a chip on their shoulder, a bonafide mission, not looking past anyone and that winning the BiG10 champ is paramount to them.….to reset Michigan Football back to glory.
December 1st, 2021 at 12:42 PM ^
At this point, we know this team has TRUE leaders. I expect them to be prepared for this game, something I have doubted this year but slowly came to the reality that this group IS DIFFERENT than teams prior.
GO BLUE! DESTROY IOWA!
December 1st, 2021 at 12:54 PM ^
This is why I choose to believe, these men are WILLING themselves to victory! LFG!!!!!!
December 1st, 2021 at 1:18 PM ^
It's men like Aiden who can lead this team into remaining very focused for this game. He was quoted after the win at Wisconsin, something like, we haven't won anything yet. This is when the rubber meets the road, this Saturday. Aiden and his teammates will be ready. I trust in Aiden...Go Blue!
December 1st, 2021 at 1:33 PM ^
There's an MMA fighter by the name of Justin Gaejthe who while preparing for his last fight against Michael Chandler said about his opponent, "He's trying to take everything from me."
Praying our boys take that same sobriety and clarity into Indy.
December 1st, 2021 at 2:04 PM ^
Yeah, I do think the team understands that the Big 10 title game is part of their journey to winning a conference title. They could lose because Iowa is a talented defense and opportunistic offense but I can't imagine they'll overlook the Hawkeyes.
December 1st, 2021 at 2:22 PM ^
Here's a good article about Aiden Hutchinson. Bottom line - he is a team leader (no joke) and he had two major goals entering this season - beating Ohio State, and winning the Big 10 Championship. It is clear that he feels that the job is not done.
I'm torn. On the one hand, I'm really happy to hear that the team is still motivated and has another goal they've been striving for ahead of them. On the other hand, if we win (and thus achieve the two main goals coming in), I just really hope the team can channel their focus on the playoffs. I hate to say it or think it but I can't help but read that quote and think back to the anecdotes you hear about Bo's teams, where the focus was so much on winning the Big Ten that it was detrimental to their performance in the Rose Bowl. Hopefully Aidan et al's leadership can keep the team motivated and focused...
December 1st, 2021 at 4:54 PM ^
I think the point is that you can control what you can control - beating ohio state and winning the conference. There is no subjectivity there.
If Michigan wins the conference, a trip to the playoffs is still ultimately in the hands of the CFP committee and is out of Michigan's hands. Granted, a 12-1 finish and BTCG victory would practically guarantee a berth, but it would be like if we were in Iowa's position where a BTC would not get them even a whiff of a CFP berth.
If they win Saturday, I'm positive they'll be ready for the CFP semis. A bowl game - even an NY6 appearance - is ultimately meaningless. A CFP appearance means you have a shot at a non-mythical national championship. They'll be ready.
December 1st, 2021 at 5:35 PM ^
Bo's era was a totally different era.
The level of training, preparation, support staff (nutritionist, sports psychologists, physical therapists, etc.) these guys go through, isn't even comparable.
If we win, we'll have 27 days until the Semi-Final, and then 10 days until the Final.
T
December 1st, 2021 at 5:38 PM ^
Bo's era was a totally different era.
The level of training, preparation, support staff (nutritionist, sports psychologists, physical therapists, etc.) these guys are provided is next level, isn't even comparable.
If we win on Saturday, we'll have 27 days until the Semi-Final, and then 10 days until the Final.
The amount of extra practice/film-time plus training, many coaches have remarked on what a huge advantage it is that carries into the following year.
December 1st, 2021 at 2:51 PM ^
Love Sparty logic: “Ferentz and that staff will totally outcoach Harbs, but need turnovers to win, their defense has been very opportunistic in their big wins.”
“Harbs” and Staff completely outcoached what was arguably the best team in the country (OSU), but Iowa will definetly out coach our staff Got it Spar-tee.
https://247sports.com/college/michigan-state/board/93/Contents/iowa-176528456/?page=8
December 1st, 2021 at 5:11 PM ^
More "logic" on display:
Izzomsu: UM on the road besides playing a really bad Wisconsin and MD team has been pretty mediocre.
PylonPileOn: Which Iowa win impressed you the most?
Izzomsu: None of them but it doesn’t matter. Completely different game. I can see this being like the PSU or Nebraska game for UM but Iowa coming out on top.
So let me get this straight. UM sucks on the road b/c they have been mediocre, except for when they haven't been. And Iowa's mediocre wins (and getting their butts handed to them @ wisconsin) don't count b/c this is a completely different game. Makes sense.
At least there are actually some level-headed posters there:
I don't see any scenario where scUm only scores 17 points unless they have multiple turnovers.
Actually, I think they [Iowa] have been one of the most consistent teams in college football. Mediocre from day one.
I could see this. I could also see Iowa get down early and Michigan just roll them. This game is all on Iowa’s defense. Because we know the offense isnt doing anything. So they either fluster Michigan and win 17-14. Or they lose 31-10.
Yeah the Michigan passing offense has dramatically improved. Early in the season we laughed when they couldn't move it against Rutgers. No longer one dimensional.
Iowa is going to struggle to score unless they can get some turnovers for their offense, but UM doesn't turn the ball over much.
Yeah remember this is the same team that went down 10-0 to Illinois and needed a kickoff return for a td for any life. Needed a block kick when down 21-9 to Nebraska for life. No need to pretend like this team is good. Maybe the weakest 10 win team I've seen in a long time (they scored 31 points in a 3 game stretch this year, woof!).
Iowa has no firepower and won’t be able to protect their QB. They would need a lucky turnover day and a horrible outing from UM’s QB to win.
With all of that said, their [Iowa's] rushing attack is not very good, their QB is straight garbage, they have one solid receiver/return man in Charlie Jones, and a solid defense. Their record is a product of an easy schedule, not of a good football team. I can tell you right now there is no way they put up 21 on Michigan on offense. They’d have to get a special teams or defensive TD.
Iowa has a crappy pass offense and is reliant on turnovers/special teams to win. Michigan doesnt turn it over and has good special teams. Will be a tough one for the Hawkyes.
And finally...
This is Michigan's year. Take your bias and leave it at the door. Michigan is better at almost every position, their OL is going to dominate. This is going to be a 14+ beatdown. I don't want to see it but there is 1% chance Iowa wins. End of story.
December 1st, 2021 at 6:59 PM ^
Gotta love Aidan's motor.
December 1st, 2021 at 7:51 PM ^
Whew! Fortunately I won't "have to" read this-am soooooooooo not worried!!!
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:56 AM ^
Just control the turnovers.