We are two weeks away from real college football again
As Tom Petty said - the waiting is the hardest part.
I realize that Michigan's season is three weeks away officially (and one could argue it doesn't begin in earnest for another month and a half), but real games will still be here in two weeks.
What *interesting* games are people looking forward to seeing in the first 2-3 weeks of the season (non UM games, since we should hope our first few games are boring affairs with no drama or tension)?
Personally, I'd like to see Navy start their season with an upset win.
August 12th, 2023 at 8:31 AM ^
Colorado v TCU is an intriguing matchup: new(ish) coaches on both sides, teams with many questions and hype surrounding their respective programs, should be a fun first game between Power 5 teams.
I also like seeing a B10 conference game early and Nebraska v Minnesota should be a fun game to watch, if only to see if Nebraska can get away from the teachings of the "Scott Frost School of Shooting Oneself in the Foot".
August 12th, 2023 at 10:18 AM ^
I think TCU-Colorado will be a boring blowout. Colorado is all Deion hype, and rebuilding after a disastrous couple years.
August 12th, 2023 at 10:22 AM ^
The new coach turnaround is a real thing. I don’t know if Prime will make it more than 2-3 years but I bet they pull some upsets and play generally intense and competent football this season.
August 12th, 2023 at 10:41 AM ^
Is this wishful thinking?
August 13th, 2023 at 7:31 PM ^
Deion’s son can spin the ball and Hunter looks like he’s playing both sides of the ball. I don’t think Colorado is going to be that good but if they make a bowl game I would consider that as a successful season for them. With all the turnover in players and coaches it will probably be a rough season for Colorado but they do have a couple of nice players and might shock someone that’s looking past them. Coach Prime is running that team like a business which I consider to be all that is wrong with college football. He took several scholarships from kids that probably grew up hoping to play for Colorado. He may have not actually taken their scholarships but he pretty much forced a lot of kids into the transfer portal. If Deion has any kind of success doing what he has done with Colorado, you will probably see a lot of programs being run like that in the future. I hate everything about it. College is supposed to be amateur athletics and running a program like a business is not what the NCAA is supposed to be about. I loved Deion as a player at FSU, also as a professional football/baseball player but the way he’s running Colorado is scummy. I hope this blows up in his face and he’s back to coaching a team nobody cares about except the players family and friends. These types of people will ruin what’s left of the small sliver of amateurism that college sports still have. This is the main reason I have loved college sports more than professional sports. Kids are busting their asses to get a contract hopefully in 3/4 years of college. If they don’t get a contract at least they have a degree and can contribute to society in a different way. Not saying you need a college degree to be a productive member of society but it’s at least something they will always have along with the memories of grinding day in and day out with their teammates. The transfer portal and NIL make it so that kids couldn’t care less about an allegiance to a school. Now it’s all about who’s going to get me on the field the fastest and pay me the most to go to their school. Rivalries are dying because of schools jumping to other conferences. Like Diddy said back in the 90’s, it’s all about the Benjamin’s baby!! That’s a sad state of affairs but it is what it is and life goes on.
August 12th, 2023 at 11:14 AM ^
I think TCUs gonna roll over Colorado which will have people hypinng TCU again, but it’ll actually just be that Colorado sucks. TCU will finish 8-4 and Colorado 2-10
August 12th, 2023 at 12:46 PM ^
I think that Mr. Sanders is probably happy with people setting low expectations for his team.
August 12th, 2023 at 8:33 AM ^
I'm looking forward to Texas at Bama.
I dislike both of these teams but I am soooooo tired of the annual "Texas is BACK BABY!!!" nonsense that I hope to see Bama take the Longhorns behind the proverbial woodshed and give them a preview of what they have to look forward to after their move to the SEC in 2024.
August 12th, 2023 at 9:14 AM ^
My attitude toward Texas is more just "meh". My dislike for all things Bama/SEC is so much stronger. The best outcome for me would be Texas absolutely destroying Bama. Then UT can go back to another mediocre season, losing 3-4 games against opponents with 1/2 as many blue-chip athletes as Texas does.
August 12th, 2023 at 9:45 AM ^
If not for Sark, I’d really like Texas. I have some family that went there and Austin is an awesome town. If I had to pick a second team, they’d be it. College football is just better when then blue bloods are better. Hoping for Texas, USC, etc. to make comebacks.
August 12th, 2023 at 8:43 AM ^
I know this isn't exactly the topic of this thread but every time I look at this year's schedule I STILL can't get over how terrible our home schedule is.
August 12th, 2023 at 8:54 AM ^
When Indiana is the third-best home game, and by a very wide margin, it’s not a great state of affairs.
I was just explaining to my (Argentine) wife and (Swiss) kids how much reason for optimism we have this season. But then had to caveat it by saying “well, we won’t know much until late October.”
Anyway. Go Blue!
August 12th, 2023 at 9:04 AM ^
who's the 2nd best home opponent?
August 12th, 2023 at 9:12 AM ^
I mean... Purdue? Yikes.
August 12th, 2023 at 11:04 AM ^
I literally laughed when I read "Purdue" and then I stopped, thought through the home schedule and realized...you're right.
That is f'ing pathetic. I feel sorry for those of you pay for season tickets.
August 12th, 2023 at 9:07 AM ^
Sorry for the season ticket holders. Can't recall the last time it's been this bad. No other compelling game besides OSU. If we had one elite non-conference game, it would make a world of difference,
August 12th, 2023 at 9:40 AM ^
It's not as sad as you think. Some people actually go to the Big House regardless of the invited guests. Can't Wait.
GO BLUE
August 12th, 2023 at 3:24 PM ^
This. ^
I go to the Big House to watch Michigan pound whomever the opponent is. I don't even want it close.
August 12th, 2023 at 10:46 PM ^
"I don't even want it close." Yep. And good time clock management, and not playing to not lose.
August 12th, 2023 at 11:09 AM ^
I’m not happy with this year’s home slate, but look at next year’s. We have Texas, Wisconsin, UCLA and MSU at home. Unfortunately, PSU falls off the schedule next year.
with that said, with the addition of Oregon and Washington, the schedule will change and only get tougher.
August 12th, 2023 at 11:42 AM ^
It's kind of insane how bad it is this year. It feels like Michigan is playing one of those Kansas-State-of-old type schedules.
I don't know that it'll ever happen, but I'd love to see college football move to an NFL model where the 'league' (or whatever governing body) sets the schedules. Only other P5 teams, no 'buy' games against cupcakes.
August 12th, 2023 at 8:55 AM ^
I’d enjoy seeing Navy win its opener in Ireland, and think LSU v FSU is the other game of real interest.
The Buckeyes open against Indiana - so, their QB and defensive play may be interesting to see - but, I highly doubt the Bucks will have a challenge.
And, of course, what Coach Prime’s squad does in their first two games.
August 12th, 2023 at 9:01 AM ^
Without a doubt I'm looking for a ND loss right off the bat because screw ND!
August 12th, 2023 at 9:06 AM ^
Agreed but I’ll be a huge fan when they play the buckeyes. Nd to me has always been a pain in the ass and not a team I loathe with every fiber of my soul like OSU.
August 12th, 2023 at 9:26 AM ^
CJ Carr spurning MI will never sit well with me. Like, how do you NOT play for MI when your grandfather is a legendary MI coach??? And to go and play at ND!
August 12th, 2023 at 9:36 AM ^
That was my thought, but I heard on one of the recruiting podcasts that U of M didn’t really pursue him. I’m sure they would have taken him, but he wasn’t their guy for this class, Jadyn Davis was.
So I’m less blameful toward CJ now, but maybe that information is incorrect?
August 12th, 2023 at 9:49 AM ^
I have no issues with that. Maybe he wanted to forge his own legacy instead of being in the shadows of his grandfather. Also, from what I understand, he’s very religious and wanted the Notre Dame atmosphere. Despite my hatred of all things Notre Dame, I don’t fault him.
August 12th, 2023 at 10:26 AM ^
My Grandpa went to Indiana and was a huge fan all his life. I obviously didn't follow that path. I don't buy that CJ had to weigh his grandfather's employer that much more than any other consideration, and I respect anyone who steps beyond a family legacy to forge their own path.
August 12th, 2023 at 10:32 AM ^
Yeah!! How dare he want to be his own person?! Doesn't he know he's just supposed to do whatever his dad and grandpa did?! These damn kids and their own thoughts and ideas!!!!!
- - -
Michigan didn't really pursue Carr.
August 12th, 2023 at 10:46 AM ^
He may want to forge his own path and his own legacy vs. going to a school where he will always be known as “Lloyd Carr’s grandson.”
If that’s his reasoning, then I can’t fault him for that.
August 12th, 2023 at 11:01 AM ^
I don’t hold anything against him for going his own direction in life.
The only argument that makes any sense though, has nothing to do with what his grandfather did at UM, but rather what UM did for the Carr family when Chad was fighting cancer. MAYBE you can stretch the criticism that far. But I still don’t agree with it.
CJ Carr can play football at Notre Dame. Jerame Tuman’s children can play volleyball at Penn State and Ohio State. My own children can choose to do what they want without regard to the choices I made before they were born.
August 12th, 2023 at 11:18 AM ^
The team the team the team doesn’t run so deep in that family, see e.g., the child-like tantrum ole grandad threw on his way out (after he stayed well past his prime and lost to Appalachian state for $millions) when not allowed to hand-pick his successor leading to the darkest years in MI football for decades…more like the llllllloyds come first…
August 12th, 2023 at 12:37 PM ^
It's possible, or even likely, that everywhere he turns in Ann Arbor he's constantly reminded of his baby brother who passed away. Anyone who's lost a child can appreciate what a family goes through and how it changes you.
August 12th, 2023 at 9:47 AM ^
I’m the complete opposite. I despise everything about Notre Dame. Fuck that entire institution.
August 12th, 2023 at 9:12 PM ^
I’m no ND fan but will never forget OSU fans arrogance while taking over the big house. It’ll be interesting to see how many show up this year, knowing they dam well may get boat raced.
August 12th, 2023 at 9:10 AM ^
Apart from LSU-FSU and Texas-Bama, I can't say there are too many games that I'm interested in watching. But I'll watch as many as I can anyway. As always, my rooting interests will be CHAOS for every top team except Michigan.
Oh, I forgot. I also look forward to seeing Washington drop bombs on MSU again. You just know UW is gonna pass for 400-500 yards against that horrible secondary. Without Coleman and Reed, is there any way that MSU can keep this game even remotely close?
August 12th, 2023 at 11:01 AM ^
Who knows. It’s a revenge game and UW will prolly think it’s going to be a cakewalk before they play so msu could catch them off guard. Msu will obviously have a lot of “revenge” games that Tuck will get his guys up for. Also, I keep saying this but msu dline can make it tough for penix..
August 12th, 2023 at 12:08 PM ^
I don’t see it that way. I’m not as sold on Penix as the rest of the world, but I see a pretty thorough ass kicking coming Tuckers way. After all the shit he and his teams have pulled since he got there I’d cheer every yard they get. Hell I’d even root for OSU against them. Just dry heaved while typing.
August 12th, 2023 at 10:33 AM ^
Are there?
There are!
August 12th, 2023 at 10:41 AM ^
Week 0 has nothing. Both Nebraska at Minnesota and Florida at Utah are not terrible for the first Thursday.
Really looking forward to week 4. September Maryland at MSU at 3:30, OSU at ND and Iowa at PSU in prime time, with UCLA at Utah and Colorado at Oregon as nightcaps.
Thats a pizza night waiting to happen.
August 12th, 2023 at 10:55 AM ^
Maryland is gonna blow the doors off MSU. I watched the MSU spring game and they are BAD bad.
August 12th, 2023 at 12:11 PM ^
I see Iowa being Iowa again. Cade or not. I wanna root for Cade but am having a hard time with it. I think PSU wins by at least 14.
August 12th, 2023 at 10:44 AM ^
Week 0 is essentially like NFL preseason. There might be an intriguing storyline here or there but otherwise it’s usually a complete snooze-fest. I’ll probably tune in a smidge to Navy-ND and if it’s a close game I’ll keep watching, but otherwise I’m not going to watch just for the sake of watching.
LSU-FSU should be a great game, and will probably be the game of the week for Week 1. South Carolina - North Carolina could also be extremely interesting. SC came on really strong at the end of last season, and then UNC has that potential #1 overall pick at QB (Drake Mayes?) so that could be really intriguing. Nebraska-Minnesota could also be a fun game to take in on Thursday night.
Colorado-TCU should be interesting as well, but I don’t expect much from Colorado this year. Prime imported in some talent, but they have essentially no depth. The minute they start accruing injuries, which is inevitable for any team, they’re probably going to fall apart. But I’m indifferent to Prime succeeding out there. If he does, great. If not, whatever.
August 12th, 2023 at 10:58 AM ^
If we win the Natty this year I may never watch college football with the same intensity ever again.
This is the perfect foundation for it and if cfb ends up looking like a semi-pro league then I'm just gonna hope the Lions are watchable and maybe DVR some Michigan games here and there.
I'm not all doom and gloom either- I think the despair is a bit overblown. I just know it won't be the same after this year. How it will actually manifest is pure speculation until we see the product for a few seasons.
August 12th, 2023 at 11:02 AM ^
There are times I find myself thinking along these same lines.
August 12th, 2023 at 1:04 PM ^
I will second this under the stipulation that we beat OSU, they still make the playoffs, and we beat them a second time for the National Championship. I mean, a better season than that is pretty much impossible and Id probably hang it up as a rabid fan.
August 12th, 2023 at 11:11 AM ^
Weirdly, I’m more intrigued by UTEP-Jacksonville State in Week 0 than I am Navy vs. ND.
Games off campus lack the same feel & intensity, and I thought last year’s Nebraska/NW game in Ireland was boring, even though close and back & forth.
Jax State and the fighting Rich Rods make their debut as an FBS program against a team that beat Boise State and played UTSA close, but also had some bad losses last year.
The following Saturday, looking forward to WVU against PSU. Neal Brown’s program has a ton to prove and Allar makes his debut for a PSU team with lofty expectations.
August 12th, 2023 at 11:21 AM ^
UConn-NC State is intriguing just bc UConn was looking respectable again toward the end of last season. Will be interesting to see if they can build on that
Florida-Utah and Nebraska-Minnesota will probably both be entertaining.
August 12th, 2023 at 11:34 AM ^
I’ve been a diehard M fan my entire life. My oldest daughter will be a Junior at UM this year but this year her younger sister will be a freshmen at Penn State (she wanted to blaze a new trail) and we move her in next week.
This means I will now be following PSU football also which just feels downright weird. She knows who I will be rooting for when they meet but also giving her support the rest of the year.
My M daughter has no idea what she’s walked into M football wise with only seeing greatness. A little concerned her sister might have the same good fortune at Penn State and if they win a natty before us it would be a tough pill to swallow.
Regardless, college football! Looking forward to seeing a game there this year although likely not Michigan (although her sister will be there rooting on the Wolverines).