hart20

January 1st, 2012 at 3:08 PM ^

Is the toughest game and they lose a lot of talent. Ohio will be the next toughest game as they're returning everyone on defense but lose their top 2 offensive threats. Besides that, it's not extremely bad. ND is getting way more credit than they deserve. ND loses their top offensive threat, maybe even their top 2 offensive threats, 2-3 starting OL, all of the starting secondary, have quarterback issues, and a coach on his last legs. Not to mention, 3 straight. Granted, we do have a very big question on the D line but thankfully our defensive staff's specialty is D line. We have a very good chance of being very good next year.

Joined: 05/25/2011

MGoPoints: 5692

bronxblue

January 1st, 2012 at 6:49 PM ^

With respect to ND, UM has beaten them with late-game heroics the last three years despite ND typically playing better throughout the game.  That streak won't continue forever - at some point UM will lose one of those games.  Next year, with Alabama to start the season (and that will still be a VERY loaded Tide squad given the amount of over-recruiting they do) and then ND as well in the OOC, I'd be happy with a 3-1 record.  Then the Big 1G will have UM going to Lincoln, going to Ohio, and still having to finally beat Sparty.  Yes, it is set up for UM to have a good shot at another BCS bowl game, but to expect them to go get through that slate with 0 or 1 loss is pretty crazy to me.

Joined: 11/22/2008

MGoPoints: 171777

turtleboy

January 1st, 2012 at 3:10 PM ^

Next year our toughest opponents lose a ton of key players. Nebraska loses Jared Crick, Lavonte David, and Alphonzo Dennard on Defense to begin, and both starting tackles and center on offense in front of struggling qb issues. Sparty will be playing with a completely new offense next year as well. Cousins is gone, and every receiving target of his too. WR's Cunningham, Nichol, and Martin are gone as well as TEs Linthicum and Celek. Its not certain yet if RB Baker and stud DT Worthy will go to the draft as well. Alabama is the real test but they lose a ton of talent again this year. 3 starting receivers, the TE, Richardson likely, both Tackles and Center likely, BOTH NGs (next years starter and backup will have essentially zero game experience) all 3 starting LBs, and both starting CB's, SS, and FS. All of their offensive playmakers, and the entire starting defense minus the DE's and the "jack"-back. We can barely even scout Bama because next years team will be a completely different team. Alabama and The Game in Columbus will be the biggest challenges to an undefeated season next year.

Joined: 04/22/2011

MGoPoints: 35130

MichiganMan2424

January 1st, 2012 at 3:51 PM ^

Jared Crick was out for the game this year, so although it's good he's gone, it's not like we had to face him this year. Also, Alabam's best Tackle, Barret Jones who won the Outland Trophy, is returning.

Just after a quick look at Alabam's depth chart on Rivals which was last updated in October, so it may not be too accurate, not everything you said is true. They have one starting tackle as a true sophomore so he can't leave, and the other is Jones who is coming back. The center is a senior, so he's gone, and one guard is a junior so he could leave. The defense seems accuarte though.

 

Joined: 03/09/2011

MGoPoints: -99998918

WingsNWolverines

January 1st, 2012 at 6:19 PM ^

It sounds like they are making the Alabama game into our season in one week. We have a very tough schedule going into 2012 but if we do the unthinkable and beat Alabama then I'd say our chances are golden. That game will show us a possible glimpse of a bigger mission or a need in repair in sections on offense or defense. But if we win that game then we could seriously be talking about the beginning of "The Seaon" at Michigan. Im loving that we are back in the national title conversation.

Joined: 04/27/2011

MGoPoints: 587

BRCE

January 1st, 2012 at 2:49 PM ^

Pete Fiutak is the worst national college football writer. I'm not afraid to say this when he is negative toward Michigan so I should be consistent and reiterate it now.

The truth is, if we duplicate this year's record it will be a nice step forward. The schedule will be that much harder.

Joined: 12/30/2008

MGoPoints: 3239

Farnn

January 1st, 2012 at 2:53 PM ^

Considering it's a Fiutak article, I won't even bother clicking the link.  And I really don't think this team will go either undefeated or have only 1 loss next season.  Unless every team that can go pro does so from Alabama, I really don't feel very confident in that game.  Then Michigan plays OSU, Neb, ND all on the road.  Plus, sadly MSU has had this teams number the last 2 games.  Unfortunately, I think 10-2 is the ceiling next year.  The team may return a lot of starters next year, but the loss of a 4 year starting center and a 4 year starting DT are really going to hurt this team next year.

Joined: 07/07/2008

MGoPoints: 12788

JRell

January 1st, 2012 at 3:01 PM ^

The fact that he doesn't realize OSU can't play in the CCG makes it all invalid.

Edit: I read this earlier before he changed it to Wisconsin.

Joined: 09/01/2009

MGoPoints: 3807

willywill9

January 1st, 2012 at 3:11 PM ^

Have they seen our schedule for next year?  It would be a great to finish with 10 wins in the regular season.  

EDIT: He did, but my favorite part was:

 

The big controversy will be whether or not Alabama should get yet another rematch, or if a Michigan team that already lost to the Tide should play for it all. This time around, the pollsters will give the nod to the Maize and Blue, who’ll move up to the No. 2 spot after the Tide loss to the Tigers.
No way we'd get in, in that scenario. EDIT EDIT: How is this flame bait?

Joined: 09/22/2008

MGoPoints: 13162

jtmc33

January 1st, 2012 at 3:04 PM ^

I remember being ranked #5 in 2007. And I also remember that OU and FSU were going to play in this year's championship game. I love preseason rankings and predictions. I just like them much better when UM is supposed to compete for the big 10 and sits at about #10

Joined: 04/15/2009

MGoPoints: 10053

mgobleu

January 1st, 2012 at 3:05 PM ^

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say right now that sparty's party will not continue in AA next year. And in my dreams, with a good showing in the next 2 games, Michigan IS in the MNC conversation. But I also believe in things unseen, most notably the angry Michigan ____ hating god. He will seek his vengeance when least opportune for the mighty, yet vulnerable wolverines. At least that's where I'm at now. But hell, in August I had Michigan pegged for 8 wins and was pleasantly surprised. Here's for 10 next year with 2 or 3 bonus wins like this season.

Joined: 07/02/2008

MGoPoints: 38428

LSAClassOf2000

January 1st, 2012 at 3:06 PM ^

...about the MNC...

I would really just hope that, looking at our schedule, we have a repeat 10-2 performance if we stay relatively injury-free and can just keeping playing like we did in,say, the Illinois and Nebraska games. That being said, I think 9-3 is a realistic way-too-early prediction. We'll need a lot of people to step up to do this though - we're losing some vital pieces as of Tuesday end of game. 

I love the attention though - it is definitely a sign that we're getting looked at seriously again.

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130636

the Glove

January 1st, 2012 at 3:17 PM ^

I strongly believe that they will have a great year next year, but I sure the hell haven't swallowed
the pill about them winning a national championship yet. There are just too many question marks about the defensive line and that schedule...alabama, notre dame, nebraska, and ohio state all away. It's just hard to think that they would go through that schedule and not stumble at least once.

Joined: 07/01/2008

MGoPoints: 10441

Blue since birth

January 1st, 2012 at 3:35 PM ^

In my view CFB predictions hold as much weight as two dimensional objects. As a "fan" I prefer to daydream about the best possible outcome. Rather than trying to look smart when really just throwing darts anyway.

All of the "pragmatists" swore it wasn't possible to have better than a top 60~ defense this year... "And we'll be lucky to get that". I seem to be wrong just as often (no more or less) while being a "homer".

Joined: 12/24/2009

MGoPoints: 205

FrankMurphy

January 1st, 2012 at 3:10 PM ^

I just don't see it. Don't get me wrong; I think every game is winnable (even 'Bama), but we'll still be in a state of transition and the schedule is too murderous to expect us to win every winnable game. I agree with BRCE that an equivalent record next year would be a step forward. Give Hoke 3-4 years and he'll have us in the national hunt. 

On the other hand, every other top program in the B1G might have serious issues. Ohio State is under a postseason ban, Penn State is a tire fire, Wisconsin won't have a passing game, Michigan State loses a ton of talent. Nebraska returns a lot of starters, but I'm not convinced they have a coach who can take them to the next level. The B1G should be ripe for the taking.   

Joined: 08/19/2008

MGoPoints: 31971

Perkis-Size Me

January 1st, 2012 at 3:48 PM ^

while i do think the B1G is getting much better from top to bottom, i can see mich and ohio returning the conference to the big 2 little 8 mindset. its like the current sec. most everyone in it is good to very good, but its clear that lsu and bama are the cream of the crop.

not saying we're anywhere close to the level of the sec, but as good as many of those teams are, lsu and alabama are the clear cut best, and i think michigan and ohio will return the conference to that mindset.

Joined: 11/30/2011

MGoPoints: 105760

Perkis-Size Me

January 1st, 2012 at 3:10 PM ^

if we can knock off alabama next year, we deserve to be in the natl champ conversation. otherwise i dont think were ready yet. we're going to be very young/inexperienced in the front 4 next year since rohs our only returning starter.

if denard continues his progression i see him getting invited to the heisman ceremony, but losing probably to barkley.

Joined: 11/30/2011

MGoPoints: 105760

turtleboy

January 1st, 2012 at 3:46 PM ^

This year he had 18 passing tds and 16 rushing with over 3000 yards of total offense. If Drob stays as good as he was near seasons end and a few of this years early picks disappear then Denard could very well account for 40 to 45 tds and roughly 4000 yards of total offense. Add that to 10+ wins. Plus all the draft insiders are betting Barkley won't be able to come close to last years numbers in 2012. I think Denards feet will win him the trophy.

Joined: 04/22/2011

MGoPoints: 35130

hart20

January 1st, 2012 at 4:26 PM ^

Herron and Posey. Ohio couldn't do anything without Herron and Posey early in the season and still had a lot of trouble without Posey. Plus they'll be instilling a new offense next year. Their defense returns everyone though, but then so does our offense (minus Molk) which smoked them this year.

Joined: 05/25/2011

MGoPoints: 5692