Sagarin: UofM #14, 2nd in BigTen

Submitted by wildbackdunesman on

USA Today's Jeff Sagarin has UofM ranked #14 in the nation and 2nd overall in the BigTen.  I don't want our players to get big heads and I know the computer polls can be way off (especially early in the year), but this is interesting.

His ELO Chess, which is utilized by the BCS has us ranked 13th nationally and his Predictor, which supposedly is fairly accurate in predicting the winner of games has UofM ranked 18th merged together it makes us ranked 14th.

#3 Ohio State

#14 Michigan

#21 Iowa

#27 Penn State

#29 Wisconsin

#38 Northwestern

#39 Michigan State

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbc10.htm

MGoBoard

TheOracle6

September 12th, 2010 at 4:29 PM ^

Our players are humble and are still hungry.  I doubt many of them will even pay attention to this.  As fans it is nice to see because it can really help with recruiting and getting our Wolverines some more positive attention in the MSM.

Joined: 09/02/2010

MGoPoints: 1636

the_white_tiger

September 12th, 2010 at 4:30 PM ^

It would be really nice if we were #14 in the country at the end of the year. Still, I love seeing these headlines instead of "How many wins does Rodriguez need?" or "Michigan's first violations."

Joined: 02/07/2009

MGoPoints: 5224

ATrain32

September 12th, 2010 at 6:02 PM ^

Not a Blue Fan......That's one fairly obvious statement.  What is your point?  

I'm thinking it's ok for our fanbase to feel good about starting off 2-0 and enjoying Denard's performances so far.   Btw, if we are ranked, that actually is good for you people in Columbus.

It's a 'small sample', but so what?  Obviously, we need to produce in Big 10 play... blah ... blah .. blah.   Me?  I'm just enjoying the afterglow of an exciting win.  Big 10 play is another day. 

P.S.   Why don't you go enjoy your victory over 'that Miami' someplace else. : p

Joined: 11/23/2008

MGoPoints: 122

Not a Blue Fan

September 12th, 2010 at 6:07 PM ^

Sorry if I gave the impression that I'm trying to piss in your cheerios or otherwise spoil your celebration. I mean, I think the entirety of his predictor is flawed (which is a slight to tOSU, too). I just hate polls this early in the year, and I hate that he's using unsound statistical methods and waving his hands to create the illusion of legitimacy.

Joined: 08/03/2009

MGoPoints: 2574

Beavis

September 12th, 2010 at 4:47 PM ^

I gotta say - our stats through two games against quality opponents are great.  And if Denard stays healthy all year, this is probably where we finish.

But to expect Denard to put up 400/500 yards against top Big Ten competition is probably expecting a BIT much.

Joined: 07/28/2009

MGoPoints: 5993

bluebyyou

September 12th, 2010 at 5:13 PM ^

There are quality opponents and there are quality opponents. We gave up over 500 yards on D yesterday against a team with a QB who had only played one previous game and who barely played half a game.  We couldn't kick a field goal or make a single decent punt without the benefit of a roll.

Maybe its me, but somehow I think that OSU, Iowa and Wisconsin are a bit better than the two teams we have played.  While I think a little celebration is in order, let's keep a bit more perspective.  It is one thing to be in the top 25, another to be ranked ahead of some very good teams with proven records of success and a whole lot more experience.  

Joined: 09/07/2009

MGoPoints: 18566

LondonBlue

September 12th, 2010 at 6:43 PM ^

You're right, we gave up 532 yards yesterday. But about 150 of those yards came on the Rudolph TD and ND's last drive when we were in "prevent" mode. Not to say the Rudolph TD doesn't count but I for one am hoping that Cam Gordon has learned his lesson about never letting a receiver get behind him.

We'd all like to see a return game on punts but I for one am happy to have Gallon just fair catch balls back there provided he doesn't fumble.

I think Hagerup will come good. As poorly as he punted yesterday, he averaged 38.3 yards. Let's just hope he doesn't actually kick one of those low line drives directly at someone.

The field goal kicking is another matter and my biggest concern. True freshman holder in Dileo and RS Freshman kicker. 1 of 4 FGs and a botched PAT is not a good start to the season.

If we can maintain our new found focus on holding on to the ball it may help to make up for one or more of our

Joined: 09/01/2009

MGoPoints: 112

Muttley

September 12th, 2010 at 5:22 PM ^

For the first few weeks of the season, the starting ratings have weight in the process(BAYESIAN), but once the teams are all CONNECTED, then the starting ratings are no longer used and all teams are started equal and the ELO CHESS is then done in an UNBIASED manner from that point on. RATING and PREDICTOR are now bayesian and the ELO-CHESS is also bayesian.

Joined: 07/07/2009

MGoPoints: -73245