jackfl33

May 14th, 2012 at 4:39 PM ^

I'm not so sure we would have a chance. Losing to an SEC team non-confrence seems fatal. Everyone already wants to crown the SEC teams, and this seems like it would add fuel to the fire. I hear your point about losing early, but it's a damn big 8-ball we would find ourselves behind.

CorkyCole

May 14th, 2012 at 7:25 PM ^

It also will depend on point differential.  If we get creamed and win-out in the B1G, it will just make the B1G look weaker and not help our chances at all.  If it's close, 1 close loss against Alabama could result in NC Rematch #2. Great way to kick off the playoffs next year.

Side Note: I have a feeling the way everything went down last year would make everyone NOT want to see an Alabama/Michigan rematch, and if Alabama won game 1 and lost an SEC game, Alabama would surely go ahead of Michigan.  

Conclusion... Probably need to win that first game.

opwolverine97

May 14th, 2012 at 4:56 PM ^

Beat Ohio, but first Beat Bama.

Sparty tears would be quite sweet this year particularly.  

 

I ESPN did a good overall job breaking us down initially, except the fact that we have a legitimate shot to beat Bama and potentially run the table.  Its ridiculously optimistic, but quite possible.  We will know very quickly by how our lines hold up against the Tide and how Denard can pass against an agressive defense with ESS EEE SEE speed.

The fist pound between Howard and Herbie....meh.

 

 

bronxblue

May 14th, 2012 at 5:07 PM ^

#10 sounds about right, if a little high given what's coming back.  Bama will be a wake-up call methinks, but there are winnable games the rest of the way.  I still think 9 wins, but considering the schedule plus a bowl game you never know.

BoFan

May 14th, 2012 at 5:16 PM ^

This has to be the toughest schedule in a long time with all the road games against top competition. With the changes on D and the lower quality RR recruits that are now upperclassmen, even 3 losses would be a big success. If Hoke and Co. does better than that you could only credit them with an amazing job of coaching.



It will be interesting to see how Michigan coaches do vs. Bama given the HUGE differences in the '09/'10/'11 recruiting classes. Then I'd like to see a rematch in '14.

Bloodoo

May 14th, 2012 at 6:08 PM ^

Considering some of the success freshmen have had on defense as of late, is it wishful thinking to expect Pipkins to have a noticeable impact on the DL in 2012?