MNC game? Probably not but at least maybe?
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/notebook?page=notebook/gamedayFinal092
"Now the Big Ten's national title hopes are squarely with JoePa and the Penn State Nittany Lions, a team that lost to Iowa at home last year to end its title run."
I am by no means saying that I expect anything of the sort, but I don't think they should be writing Michigan out of the national picture just yet. The first two games mean at least that much.
Note: Headline edited to meet FA's taste in headlines.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:18 PM ^
Personally I'd like a bowl game that didn't have Florida as the opponent.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:24 PM ^
against Florida in bowl games- 2003 Outback and 2007 Capitol. Both big wins!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6elEHRRRl-Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx8RfUpW99U&feature=related
September 13th, 2009 at 9:19 PM ^
Our defense was terrible.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:22 PM ^
Not terrible, but definitely not championship caliber.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:21 PM ^
Michigan in a bowl game: maybe
Michigan in the MNC: maybe not.
Informative headline: not.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:24 PM ^
That better for ya? ;)
September 13th, 2009 at 9:24 PM ^
New headline: yes.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:21 PM ^
24 hours later and the cool-aid hasn't worn off I see.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:13 PM ^
"Cool aid?" [sic] You know the team actually won yesterday, right?
September 13th, 2009 at 9:25 PM ^
Yeah, yeah, I made better.
And don't call me brah. Makes you sound like a friggin' Sparty.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:28 PM ^
That was to clue you in that I wasn't being too serious, and just joking around. Slightly mocking both you and Sparty at the same time.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:11 PM ^
*Comment Redacted*
September 13th, 2009 at 9:24 PM ^
OSU could still make it if they pound PSU and Michigan (assuming we have a respectable record). IIRC, they're still ranked in the top 15.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:53 PM ^
After watching Pryor the first two games this year, I think TUOOS is in deep trouble if he doesnt get his head out of his butt. His passing is crap and it looks like he is over thinking everything he does. He's a step slow from being indecisive. I would venture to say he is being coached for the first time in his life and its hard to adjust to. Last year they let him ride his athleticism, maybe that is all he has...
If we played TUOOS next Saturday, I would feel very confident that we would show strong and would give us a 60% chance or better to win. We will only improve with our youth. TUOOS is young as well, but I think our room for growth is much higher. Time bodes well for us.
TUOOS getting to the MNC assumed beating us, and right now that is possibly an outside shot and the odds will only get worse as our team grows.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:57 PM ^
He's not Heisman material yet, for sure.
But USC has made a lot of good quarterbacks look silly, and Pryor is still just a sophomore.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:09 PM ^
He looked average at best against Navy as well
September 13th, 2009 at 10:38 PM ^
Absolutely right. In fact, he's looked average at best in every game he's ever played at the college level. He's athletic as all get out, but he can't pass and he doesn't make good decisions. I think in about 3 months, when this season is over with, those of us who said that they were glad that Pryor chose TUOS (and meant it) weren't as crazy as a lot of people here thought. Just for comparison sake, when looking at both of their freshman years, Tate's on pace to out do Pryor's passing AND rushing numbers from last year. Tate has already out done Pryor's best passing performance of his career and all but four of Pryor's best rushing performances of his career. In two games.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:34 PM ^
I doubt it.
Any one-loss Big 12 or SEC school will get in above OSU ... the Buckeyes would basically need a ton of luck to get into the title game.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:47 PM ^
I'm buying my tickets and making reservations.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:51 PM ^
You will see a great Florida, Texas, or USC win. Any pair of the three will be in the game.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:54 PM ^
Have faith.....its fun and bugs the crap out of everyone that roots for your future opponents.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:59 PM ^
There is nothing fun about expecting something that won't happen.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:03 PM ^
Yeah . . . because then Farrah Fawcett dies and you realize she'll never have a chance to get to know the REAL you. I have to live with this for eternity.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:11 PM ^
There is no good reason to be disappointed before there is a reason to feel that way. As of today, we are 2-0, the young players are having a blast, the stadium yesterday was pumped, and all is well. Why dwell on it cant last? It will last all season for one team and so far we havent been eliminated...
September 13th, 2009 at 10:06 PM ^
My prediction, which I sorta decided on about a month ago, is TX and PSU. Florida has too big a bull's eye on their back in too tough a conference. USC can't play like they did for 53 minutes last night and get there. TX has the best combination of motivation and talent.
As for PSU, I still think the Big Ten is the path of least resistance for an elite team to get to the NC game. UM is a year away from beating PSU, and OSU just isn't as good as they seemed on paper. An elite team should beat any of the little eight, and that's what PSU should do all year.
Other possibilities are Alabama and LSU, but I think the SEC is due for a championship game upset where a team with two or three losses defeats a number one or two ranked team, thus ruining the SEC's chance to make another appearance in the NC game.
As for Michigan's chances, I would love to be that optimistic, but I don't see it happening. I still don't think they are quite ready to make it quite that far. With them entering the AP poll at #25 this week, though, it is possible that they will be overrated if they go on a great run.
The nation loves a good storyline, and "The Redemption of RR, featuring Tate the Great and Shoelace" is a great storyline. It could be enough to sway the emotions of voters who should know better. I just think it would be better for their growth pattern if they had a 9-3 or 10-2 season and got to a bowl they could win.
At any rate, the season just got a lot more fun and it's only week two.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:22 PM ^
I certainly wouldnt bet my retirement on Michigan winning the national title. The great thing is that I dont have to. It has no impact on my life.
BYU won a national title years ago by barely beating a 6-6 Michigan team and going 12-0 without ever beating a ranked opponent. How likely was it that anyone would vote them #1? Im just saying I can find no good reason not to expect the best...its just a game.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:29 PM ^
I can think of many reasons not to "expect" the best possible outcome for this team. It puts undue pressure on the players if there are expectations. I see no problem with hoping for the best and I would think that every player on that team is hoping right along with me.
September 13th, 2009 at 11:16 PM ^
Because I'll tell you right now--we will not be the championship game. Sorry, there is no chance. I hope for the best too, and if i'm wrong i'll gladly travel to wherever you say and make public penance, in the manner of your choosing, but let's just say I'm not too worried about it.
September 13th, 2009 at 11:35 PM ^
K, it's a deal.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:40 PM ^
I don't know about that. I think Ohio State looks exactly as good as they did on paper this year.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:11 PM ^
I think on a good day or without Warren, ND could hang one on SoCal. Im excited to watch that game in the future
September 13th, 2009 at 9:53 PM ^
MNC? Only if every team we play is coached by Weiss.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:56 PM ^
Im sending a box of donuts to every coach we play the rest of the year.....that takes care of that :)
September 13th, 2009 at 9:53 PM ^
I'm as thrilled as anyone about the win yesterday and our prospects for great success this season..... but........ Seriously?
By the way, I've been wondering this for awhile, so will ask now, what does the "M" in "MNC" stand for?
September 13th, 2009 at 9:56 PM ^
"Mythical". Because the championships aren't NCAA sanctioned, official and, in some people's minds, not valid.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:04 PM ^
Bah. Hope springs eternal. I am not expecting it, just not dismissing it.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:53 PM ^
Talking about MNC and even BCS possibilities is just setting yourself up for a big letdown. Better to be pleasantly surprised. I've had us pegged for 1-1 at this point for the past few months. That said, as I am currently watching the replay on espnU, particularly our 1st scoring drive; Minor unleashed and healthy seems like he could probably eat the still beating hearts of every D-line in the B10, and Tate's confidence & apparent skill to back it up is certainly encouraging. So, my preseason guess of 6-6 or 7-5 seems a little low. I mean, I love kool-aid and all, but I'm not gonna bathe in it just yet...
September 13th, 2009 at 10:01 PM ^
It can never be a letdown to be positive. College football is fun to watch, to cheer for, and get routy with foes, but it is only a game and has no bearing on life. Michigan loses, no sweat of my back. They win, I can bark to the world I told you so as if I truly believed everything I've said and will say. Its college football, its fun, its meaningless except as entertainment. That being said, I am certain that we will go 12-0, Tressel will get lynched by TUOOS fans for being too conservative, and the stock market will hit 16,000 by the end of next year.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:09 PM ^
Seriously? Last 3 games I've been to were Rose Bowl v. USC, App St. and Toledo. (Yes, I know I'm cursed and no, I don't go to games anymore) I know it's "meaningless" and has no bearing on my life, but you can't say it doesn't suck when they lose the ones you expect them to win.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:16 PM ^
Of course it sucks, I drive home 4 hours bummed. I get up the next morning, eat breakfast, play with the kids, and life goes on. The next week I do it all over again knowing this week Michigan will win and look good doing it. If you dont believe it is possible, one shouldnt go...
That being said, the next game you are going to let me know and I'll put some money on the opponent. That is a harsh run of luck.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:23 PM ^
I am considering trying to find tickets for sparty. Maybe.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:32 PM ^
As a superstitious person: How about you come by my place for the Sparty game? I'll buy the beer...
September 13th, 2009 at 10:45 PM ^
I'll chip in for the pizza
September 13th, 2009 at 9:55 PM ^
The "M" stands for "Mythical."
Also, Michigan won't be playing for the NC. Don't even get your hopes up.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:57 PM ^
Thank you.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:05 PM ^
What has happened in first two weeks of this season that has made it impossible to reach the MNC?? Nothing, therefore we will be there unless something occurs otherwise in the future. I will have faith in a MNC until we lose two games and then I will shift my certainty to next year. Hopefully every player on our team deep in his heart believes the sky is the limit. Because of that, we owe them at least the same. And best of all, it doesnt matter.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:09 PM ^
I live on hope. We need more optimists in this world. We shouldn't take ourselves so seriously that having our hopes for a Michigan Football season dashed is so painful that we refuse to hope in the first place.
This team is good and stranger things have happened.
It isn't expectation. It is merely hope for the best.
September 14th, 2009 at 7:33 AM ^
Unless you can remind me of a team that won 3 games the year before, and the next year had 2 true freshman QB's, poor defensive depth, 89 freshman and sophomores on the roster, and gave up 500 yards of offense at home, then reeled off an undefeated or one loss season to go the the MNC, stranger things really haven't happened.