WMU/UM football game
This year I will be attending all of the home games except Penn State. I am from Kalamazoo and am quite familiar with the Broncos. Although they have lost some players on offense along with losing some good defenders...they are pumped for the opener at the Big House. Big time. They feel that they are not the underdogs in this game.
IMO....Michigan cannot lose this game and should take it extremely seriously. WMU's QB is very good. He has the ability to pick apart defenders with his arm and has demonstrated this for years. He is rugged and can take a hit.
I think the day is here where we cannot take the MAC lightly as was not the case in the past.
We need this win bad. I hope we are NOT looking past this to ND.
August 22nd, 2009 at 3:29 PM ^
No need to be a dick.
It's a message board...
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:22 PM ^
Calling a Mod a dick....you're in trouble now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 2:09 PM ^
I'm almost positive they're not looking past anyone after 3-9 happened.
August 22nd, 2009 at 2:16 PM ^
I'm pretty sure we're looking ahead to our New Years day bowl game.
August 22nd, 2009 at 2:20 PM ^
However, my cousin's red headed stepson's dog walker's uncle has a connect and had lunch with Tate's mom the other day. She said, "FACT: They're already looking ahead to the time off between the end of the season and when they have to rejoin Barwis Gym."
August 22nd, 2009 at 3:09 PM ^
The MNC game isn't played on New Year's Day. Duh.
August 22nd, 2009 at 3:20 PM ^
we'll still booze. but seriously, even with their solid quarterback and our current home opener streak, i wouldnt call the wolverines the underdogs
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:02 PM ^
Sarcasm + optimism = 13-0 MNC baby!
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:16 PM ^
I have a feeling it will be a long time before UM looks past anyone. It's the main silver lining/lesson from the last couple of years. Besides, kids don't suddenly stop reading the sports section or internet just because they are playing football in college.
I am sure that they know what everyone is saying about them. I am equally sure that RR knows how to use it to his advantage. Between him and Barwis, this is probably going to be the most motivated UM team we have seen since '97. I'm not saying it will result in an undefeated year, but I am pretty sure they won't lose any games for lack of motivation or looking past someone.
Another factor: the spread option looks like it is probably the most fun offense you can run when it clicks. It should help in the enthusiasm department, both for the players and the home crowd.
August 22nd, 2009 at 6:48 PM ^
I totally agree with the spread increasing enthusiasm with both the players and the crowd. With an offense as explosive and exciting as the spread, there is always the possibility of a big play which could be a huge momentum boost in the middle of the game and also keep the crowd electric.
August 22nd, 2009 at 5:37 PM ^
I think this team is going to be so motivated and hungry this year. Hopefully we come out there and just crush them to show that we are back.
August 22nd, 2009 at 8:07 PM ^
but after 3-9, after losses to Toledo and App St., I would be shocked it the team didn't take it to them with abandon. We have a lot to prove and now that we have the tools to use the weapons, I think Coach Rod will be out for blood.
August 22nd, 2009 at 8:55 PM ^
to win this game. I don't like making definitive statements, but there you go.
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:10 PM ^
I'm pretty worried about this game, but I really want to see Michigan shred somebody and exceed expectations for a change. WMU isn't bad, but I want so badly to see Michigan put them in their MAC place. Other than Carr's last game, it feels like it has been forever since all of the "what ifs" went our way.
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:27 PM ^
They feel that they are not the underdogs in this game.You can feel a lot of things, but that doesn't necessarily make them true. And I'm pretty sure that most coaches try to motivate their team into the mindset that they're not the underdog, even if in reality they are, as a way to push them to play harder. Though, even if coaches tell their team that they're the underdog, it's really just a way to motivate them to play harder. I don't know of any decent programs that go into a game with the "well, we're not as good as them so we're probably going to lose" attitude; and from what I can tell about Western's program, they aren't like that. Conclusion: This changes nothing for UM or their perception of the game, not after last year.
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:35 PM ^
Thanks for this insightful post...
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:05 AM ^
I think any Michigan team would do, after a 3-9 season, and with coaches like Rich Rodriguez and Mike Barwis frothing on the sidelines, is to overlook any team.
Enough of Michigan having to worry about Western Michigan. Western is probably in practice saying, "Heck, they went 3-9 last year, we'll easily win."
One 80-yard Denard TD run will smack that thought out of their heads real quick.
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:07 AM ^
One 80-yard Denard TD run will smack that thought out of their heads real quick.And TWO would make their heads asplode!
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:00 AM ^
There is no way that they are looking past anyone but especially an extremely pass happy team looking to tear up our secondary. We cannot give up big plays in this one like throughout last year. I would love to see the D line just dominate the start of this game and not give them any time to be comfortable. I have read they don't have much of a run game so hit him hard and early.
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:20 AM ^
Their running game may not be great, but they do return a senior RB who rushed for over 1,000 yds last year. That is especially impressive for a team that throws the ball 65 to 70% of plays.