Michigan opens as a 2.5 pt favorite over Nebraska

Submitted by g_reaper3 on

I think this is going to be a tough game.  We have struggled against top defenses.  Hopefully, Hoke continues his undefeated streak in the Big House.

Not sure what the all time record is against Nebraska but in the last 30 years or so we are 1-1 with the 85 team winning the Fiesta Bowl and the 05 team losing the Alamo Bowl.  Need to get this one. 

Thoughts?

facepalmguy

November 13th, 2011 at 9:13 PM ^

Had trouble controlling Penn State who lost the game for themselves (understandibly). We will either have a great performance or a trageic one. I think our defense stands up well to Nebraska's mediocre offense especially Martinez's mediocre Qb play

lhglrkwg

November 13th, 2011 at 9:38 PM ^

don't tell me you weren't all giggity and <3<3<3 for borges when we were running shotgun like it was going out of style in the first half. And don't forget that Illinois' defense is legitimately legit. If we run more spread sets, Denard is still the man and I think we can move the ball on Nebraska

KSmooth

November 14th, 2011 at 10:28 AM ^

Dear Virginia

You need not worry about whether or not this is the real Facepalm guy, because in the end Facepalm Guy is not a mere undergrad in Ann Arbor.  Unlike us mortals, he'll never graduate nor will he flunk out.  He'll live on forever in our hearts for what he symbolizes to us.  Facepalm Guy represents the highs and lows of being a Michigan football fan: the heartbreak of a ridiculous interception, the simultaneous feelings of shock and jubilation at a miraculous comeback.  And above all, the ability not to take yourself too seriously.

In the end it didn't matter that it was my dad, and not Santa Claus, who set up that Atari 2600 on Christmas morning all those years ago.  And it doesn't matter to me whether or not this poster was actually the particular undergrad who buried his face in his hands, then impishly wagged his finger at the cameraman who lingered on his moment of embarassment, and then at the end of the game raised his arms in triumph, with a look on his face like that of a man who had been whacked over his head with a two-by-four.  It matters not, for we were all there, and experienced the same roller-coaster ride, and had the same reactions.

It is the same principal that allow a parent to become Santa Claus without a single reindeer let alone a magical sleigh or a North Pole workshop, the deeper truth that transcends the overly literal and mundane.  Yes, Virginia, as long as there are Michigan fans who live and die with their team there will be a facepalm guy, and we are him.

 

Michael Scarn

November 13th, 2011 at 8:56 PM ^

Not saying it won't be a tough game, but Nebraska isn't a top defense by any means.  Their best performances were against Penn State and MSU.  McGloin is just a few notches better than Bauserman and MSU's O coordinator called the world's weirdest/worst game against them.  Their corners are very good, but don't hype them up too much overall.  

manchild56

November 13th, 2011 at 8:56 PM ^

game was the worse officiated game that I have ever seen. I couldnt believe how many calls were missed not to count that Nebraska whole team was on the field while were trying to return the kick with no time left. Plus the PI on Manningham on 4th down in the red zone. See now I am freaking angered again 7 years later.

BrownJuggernaut

November 14th, 2011 at 11:36 AM ^

I was coming into post that:

1. Pitch it back if you're about to get tackled. Even if you fumble and Nebraska recovers, it's better than ending the game, taking that chance.
2. Where is the flag?

Just don't let this happen. In fact, I encourage frequent touchdown scoring until Nebraska waves the white flag made from white corn tortillas, and then score another F-U touchdown just for effect. That's what I want.

victors2000

November 13th, 2011 at 8:59 PM ^

The team continues to improve, especially the defense. I am so impressed with our freshman and sophomores; they have made so many advances thanks to the coaching and upperclassman. I think if Denard has difficult moments, Devin is slowly improving and can be a competent back up. Fitz is becoming the go to guy that the offense needs. The team - the whole, mind you- has yet to have success like this and I think they are riding quite the high. Of course, you can't tell the whole story without tipping your hat to the coaches; these men have came in and did a tremendous job forging these men into a 'Michigan' team. Finally, the game will be at home, the atmosphere will be terrific, the guys will be up for a big game...I respect Nebraska, but if we limit the turnovers I feel good about our chances.

FreddieMercuryHayes

November 13th, 2011 at 9:01 PM ^

My thoughts are that I have no freakin' clue what's gonna happen.  Two bi-polar rushing offenses that struggle passing the ball.  Two good defenses.  Two teams that seemingly look great one week, then make you ask "what the fuck?" the next week.  Who knows how this one's going to end.  But I somehow thing that line is gonna be moving toward Nebraska's favor before gametime.

Inertia Policeman

November 14th, 2011 at 10:04 AM ^

This is exactly how I feel. Which Michigan and which Nebraska show up will determine this game. I can see it being close down to the end, and I can see it getting ugly in either direction. I think the biggest two matchups will be Denard vs. turnovers and Martinez vs. turnovers. Whoever comes out ahead there, wins.

g_reaper3

November 13th, 2011 at 9:01 PM ^

But within the Big Ten teams that we play, in terms of points allowed, Nebraska is 2nd behind MSU.  Iowa, Illinois, MSU all have allowed 121-143 points where our other opponents have allowed 175-238.  We did well against Illinois but obviously struggled against the other two.

 

 

 

 

g_reaper3

November 14th, 2011 at 11:17 AM ^

I did that as a shoddy attempt at levelling out the opposition.  But Nebraska has played a tougher conference schedule so far.  They have played Ohio, Wisconsin and Penn St. compared to us playing Purdue, Illinois and Iowa.  Against common opponents, Minnesota, MSU and Northwestern; Nebraska has given up 45 compared to our 52.  But I think the sample size is too small at this point. 

 

lhglrkwg

November 13th, 2011 at 9:04 PM ^

the idea that Nebraska has a great D this year is not true. You know how we've allowed 14 points or less 6 times this year? Here's how Nebraska's doing:

Fresno State - 29 (home)

Washington - 38 (home)

Wisconsin - 48 (away)

Ohio State - 27 (home)

Northwestern - 28 (home)

I feel fairly decent about our chances at home. Their defense is ok. Taylor Martinez cannot pass to save his life. Our defense is pretty good.

Michigan 28

Nebraska 17

Logan88

November 14th, 2011 at 8:02 AM ^

I will grant you that Martinez looks even worse than Denard from a mechanics standpoint (he looks like a 7 yr old girl when he throws), but his TD to INT ratio (while still pretty bad at 10-7) is better than Denard's.

Let's just agree that they are both terrible and leave it at that, shall we?

maizeandblue21

November 13th, 2011 at 9:04 PM ^

we get out rushing attack going like we did this week (against one of the top rushing defenses in the Big Ten) then we should win easily. Our defense should be able to stop Martinez like we did with Nate Sheelhosse (sp?). Although Martinez is very fast he cannot throw the ball. keep him in the pocket and we could post a shutout for the second time this season. Denard has to get the short passing game going and get Koger more involved because he is bigger than most of the Nebraska defenders. Prediction Michigan 28- Nebraska 7

CRex

November 13th, 2011 at 9:05 PM ^

I think to Neb's best D-lineman from 2010 either injured or in the NFL we have a shot to run well.  The big thing I think is to let the line zone block which they're more comfortable with.  If you look we didn't do a stellar job on MANBALLing versus the Fightin' Zooks.  On 1st and Goal from the 3 we pretty much went backwards.  I really liked what we had going with letting Fitz pick his way forward and bringing in Shaw to hit on the edges whenever Fitz needed Gatorade.