Remember 2016 Penn State
Now might not be the best time, but I'm going to try to instill a little hope in this fanbase. This comes from looking back to PSU in 2016.
I see a lot of parallels between this team and their B1G championship team. After we crushed them, they were 2-2 and one win was a 7 point win against Temple. I remember how deflated and depressed those fans were. They are very similar to how our fanbase is right now.
The similarities are not just that the two teams vastly underperformed in the beginning of the season. I think the makeup of the 2 teams is similar too: NFL talent all over the offense, especially at receiver; a QB that is athletic and throws really good jump balls and back shoulder balls; and a defense that seems to be somewhat weak up front.
In 2016 Penn State really turned their season around after we destroyed them here in Ann Arbor. I am optimistic that we can do the same. If we are able to rely on our great receivers and play to our QB's strengths, I don't see any reason why we can't do the same.
An out of division loss doesn't change anything for the end of the season if we can right the ship. I could easily see a rematch with Wisconsin in Indy.
This is my first board post so if you feel that this is out of line or off base, feel free to neg me all you want.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:15 PM ^
Remember Michigan 2017. This team is much closer to that team.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:26 PM ^
The 2017 D was better than this one. They kept us in the OSU game and 3 quarters vs. Wisconsin.
If Shea can't get it done, at least DM and maybe Milton are better at QB than the 2017 Qbs.
Still...YEAR FIVE and this?
September 21st, 2019 at 5:15 PM ^
I have considered this as well...
theres one parallel 2016 PSU had that 2019 Michigan won’t: they got lucky and beat OSU to get into the title game.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:15 PM ^
If we changed to McCaffrey, I would think there's a chance. We have no chance with Shea
September 21st, 2019 at 5:26 PM ^
If our O-line can’t keep the pocket clean, it doesn’t matter who takes the snap.
On the other hand, Shea is really struggling and doesn’t seem to be improving, so I could see a change happening.
September 21st, 2019 at 6:00 PM ^
The o line isn't as bad as everyone is making them out to be. Patterson has happy feet and bails from the pocket nearly every play. They should run bootlegs all day with him. Switching to McCaffrey is the answer in my opinion. He might be a slight step down as a passer, but since Shea doesn't step up into the pocket, I'd rather roll with McCaffrey.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:26 PM ^
Hopefully he is not concussed. Seemed like he was seeing the receivers better than Shea.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:48 PM ^
Harbaugh confirmed that McCaffrey has a concussion.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:42 PM ^
Shea got hit on almost every play. He did pretty well considering that he had constant pressure. He was also making the throws on the last drive. Definitely the best passer Michigan has at the moment.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:49 PM ^
What’s Dylan’s completion percentage this year?
September 21st, 2019 at 5:59 PM ^
His completion % is low and he throws a hold-your-breath near-pick every game.
He is not anywhere near the passer that Patterson is. Unfortunately, Patterson takes too long to make decisions and throw, and he needs a nice quiet comfy pocket. Our OL can't help him there.
Dylan is a gamer though, much more in the McSorely mold. He could make this offense sort-of work. I don't think Shea can make this offense work at all.
September 21st, 2019 at 7:43 PM ^
That's my #1 observation about Shea also. Up until the end of the game, he REFUSES to throw the damn ball unless the window is huge. If it's reasonable, he holds it and keeps looking through his progressions. Throw the ball Shane. Please. We have NFL receivers all over the field.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:17 PM ^
i want what you’re having. also, this belongs in the snowflake thread. boo
September 21st, 2019 at 5:19 PM ^
Who is our Saquon Barkley?
September 21st, 2019 at 5:22 PM ^
Exactly. That guy was a TD opp on every play and made it easier for Trace.
I think we have the WRs (if DPJ gets healthy). Just can't see Shea turning it around. At least DM can run for his life with this overrated OL.
James Franklin's life changed for the better on one blocked FG return for a TD. UM football hasn't had a moment like that in eons.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:19 PM ^
James Franklin got the fuck out of the way and let Moorhead operate. Jim Fucking Harbaugh stuck Ben Mason into the offense and he coughed the ball up on his first touch.
Gattis is not Moorhead.
Harbaugh is not Franklin.
This is 2019 Michigan, not 2016 PSU. Don’t delude yourself
September 21st, 2019 at 5:24 PM ^
And Franklin was only in his 3rd year of program rebuilding itself from the scandal. He knew after two years he needed a big change.
September 21st, 2019 at 6:09 PM ^
It's 2007 Michigan if anything. High hopes going into the season, lots of talent, and a coach needing some big wins to quiet the critics. The team suffers/nearly suffers historical upsets and turns around to get destroyed against a team that will likely be top 10 all year with a Heisman candidate. App State and Army, Oregon and Wisconsin, and Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Taylor. The team finished 9-4 in 2007. That's where this team will finish with losses to MSU, ND, and OSU, and a bowl win. Harbaugh leaves for the Chicago Bears rather than retiring like Carr.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:19 PM ^
Oooooh yeah, more vague parallels. That's always the best analysis.
This is 2016 Penn State and Jim Harbaugh is Dabo Swinney! Fuck we're good!
September 21st, 2019 at 5:23 PM ^
Give me a break. PSU got lucky as hell to beat Ohio on a fluke blocked fg. This team can't count on luck; only Ohio can pull a horseshoe out its ass. The way Ohio, especially Fields, is playing now this team does not have a prayer to beat them.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:24 PM ^
I hope no one negs you, but if they do, just know it’s because Michigan fans can be crotchety biotches when a loss happens.
I like your silver lining. Hope you’re right. When we pounded PSU in 2016, their defense was depleted by injuries and 1-2 players on D got ejected. I think they had the water boy playing linebacker. Unfortunately, our D is not depleted. These are the starters who are supposed to be elite. They are, yet again, not elite.
Maybe youre right and the coaching staff makes some changes to stir some passion into the players and correct some of the schematic errors. It’s just hard to be hopeful after the first 3 games. Thanks for bringing a spirit of hope to the board, though. Cheers
September 21st, 2019 at 5:24 PM ^
Looks like a Brady Hoke team. Players confused and running on and off the field. No talent and no plan.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:33 PM ^
This is the most frustrating thing....The lack of any coherence, urgency or coordination.....Other programs around the country have less recruiting pull than UM and are doing more with less than what we have, I think that's the most damning indictment of the coaching staff right now
September 21st, 2019 at 5:27 PM ^
You're a fool
Stop drinking the kool aid and demand people get fired.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:27 PM ^
Fuck off with this nonsense
September 21st, 2019 at 5:27 PM ^
Who is our joe Moorhead?
September 21st, 2019 at 5:27 PM ^
Why remember that? There is no similarity. This game is worse. Worse all around.
I am really put out with Shaun Nua. He can't do it in the BIG 10.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:28 PM ^
Oh my god....please unless you haven’t seen a lot of football recently please go away...I don’t want to use fowl language but stop the nonsense please. These people are in for a rigid awakening as the season progresses smh
September 21st, 2019 at 5:28 PM ^
I used to constantly look for these types of comparisons and I was wrong every single time.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:30 PM ^
I could see your point if this looked like a new offense that just needs to work out the kinks. That's not what I'm seeing. I'm still seeing an offense that uses a 270lb RB and trots out 2 TE's instead of using the weapons they have on the roster.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:30 PM ^
Reminds me of when #13 Iowa throttled #8 Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2002.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:36 PM ^
Charles Woodson’s embarrassed but you’re hopeful. Ok
September 21st, 2019 at 5:36 PM ^
I don't think this is a terrible comparison. Today sucked and I'm really down on coach right now but this offense is still new. There is a possibility that we get better. The offensive line is really concerning. I didn't see that coming. On defense, we are going to struggle with big physical offenses but I don't think we will see anyone like Wisconsin on the remaining schedule. For once I would just like to see our team get better. We always seem to get worse the last couple weeks of the year. We just have way too much talent to be this bad. The schedule doesn't get really hard until later in the year. I hope they can coach up the kids. The offense has to get better. I think we may need to see Dmac to get there but it can still happen. Right now it seems like the team lacks an identity. I hope they can find one. If Harbaugh wants to modernize the offense, I hope he stays out of it and lets us sink or swim with what was intended. Really, I just want to see my Saturdays back.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:41 PM ^
I don’t see this team making it to Indy. The offensive line is not good right now. Whoever takes the snap is getting pounded nearly every time he drops back. Our defensive line and Linebackers are not great either. Our receivers are great at 50/50 balls, but I don’t see them getting separation and getting open a lot. Maybe they are, but I haven’t noticed it. There’s just a lot of things that are wrong with this team. 247 has UM with the 11th most talented roster and I truly believed if you gave Harbaugh a top 25 roster he would be contending for National titles every single year. Obviously that’s not the case.
My prediction for the rest of the year...UM loses 2/3 more times before the OSU game. Harbaugh is on the hot seat and somehow the team pulls together and with D-Mac leading the way they knock off OSU. I also predicted we would win by three touchdowns today so obviously I don’t know shit.
September 21st, 2019 at 6:05 PM ^
Unless Indy has a Tuesday night bowl game in December sponsored by a muffler shop, this team is not going to Indy.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:42 PM ^
It COULD happen. I just don't see how you "easily" see a rematch happening
September 21st, 2019 at 5:48 PM ^
Just stop. It's so pathetic how people just can't face the facts
September 21st, 2019 at 5:48 PM ^
Yes the ole post that tries to show how someone else did something so Michigan will.
Curious is the Harbaugh Dabo trajectory officially dead??
September 21st, 2019 at 5:52 PM ^
I’d love to remember 16’ Penn State but we aren’t anything close to that team. We honestly looked like an oversized high school team today. One of the worst performances I’ve ever seen from a M team.
Its incredibly frustrating because we have some talent.
Loses like this are TERRIBLE for recruiting. Terrible.
September 21st, 2019 at 5:55 PM ^
Man, I tap out. Hope your team gets some competent leadership, like tomorrow.
Grew up in the 90's with abysmal season conclusions & full-of-themselves ttun fans abounding. I have enjoyed the absurdity of humble pie for that reason alone.
Enough is enough though. App state loss, josh groban Richie Rod, cute record vs any team with a pulse, etc etc. Harbaugh isnt the savior.
Can his ass and move on. To see Wisky have no fear or respect for the entirety of your team (proven right), especially going for it on 4th REPEATEDLY.
Whew. Hard to watch.
September 21st, 2019 at 6:09 PM ^
You sound like Urban Meyer.
There is not even hate anymore. Just disdain.
September 21st, 2019 at 6:14 PM ^
2016 Michigan was loaded with Hoke's recruits, many of whom went to the NFL. That was the most talented team Harbaugh has had to work with, other than at QB.
September 21st, 2019 at 6:15 PM ^
2016 Penn State had some gifts to get a fluke win over OSU.
Theres not a single part of me that expects OSU to give us a free fumble at their own 15. If anything, their 3rd string QB will come in and throw for 400 yards.
September 21st, 2019 at 6:19 PM ^
Agree 100%.
Support your team when they need it - like now.
STFU when they win if you can’t support them when they lose.
Fucking millennials.
September 21st, 2019 at 7:14 PM ^
That seems stupid. The product sucks, why should we support it?
Yes, I'd like to keep going to the same restaurant serving the shit salad. Thanks.
September 21st, 2019 at 6:27 PM ^
I wouldn't say you're outta line but I would def say you're way off base. This entire program is beyond cursed. It's the only explanation that makes sense anymore. I mean, look at the compete and utter messes other programs around the country have endured and come back from in a year or two. But Michigan is no closer to a B1G title than we were with Hoke. We're cursed. I don't know why and I don't know how, when, why, or who will end it. But this much is clear: it will not be James Joseph Harbaugh.
September 21st, 2019 at 6:32 PM ^
I hope.
Unfortunately our schedule is significantly harder than what they went through. The B1G looks a lot tougher this year in the middle (teams 4-10 ish) than in 2016
September 21st, 2019 at 6:43 PM ^
Why would you be at all optimistic? Have you not watched the first three games? Or the last few games last season?
September 21st, 2019 at 6:52 PM ^
I appreciate what you're trying to do but boy, this team has a lot to clean up if it wants to have a similar story.
September 21st, 2019 at 6:53 PM ^
Please tell me who our Saquon Barkley is.
I’ll wait.