An early look at the 2013 schedule

Submitted by turd ferguson on

For the sake of talking about something other than Al Borges, I've pasted the 2013 schedule below.  It's an interesting one. 

It's obviously too early to know how strong these teams will be, but you could make a case that the three toughest teams on our schedule (ND, OSU, and Nebraska) come to Ann Arbor, while we visit the next four toughest teams on the schedule (PSU, Northwestern, MSU, and Iowa).  That could be a recipe for a whole lot of "toss-up" / "slight Michigan lean" games.  If our 2013 team looks really good (because of who comes back, how we play early, etc.), it's conceivable that we could be favored in every game on the schedule.  If our 2013 team isn't good, it's conceivable that we could be underdogs in half of them.

All things considered, I like this schedule much, much better than the 2012 schedule.

 

2 0 1 3
Date Opponent
Aug. 31 CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Sept. 7 NOTRE DAME
Sept. 14 AKRON
Sept. 21 at Connecticut
Sept. 28 Bye Week
Oct. 5 MINNESOTA* (HC)
Oct. 12 at Penn State*
Oct. 19 INDIANA*
Oct. 26 Bye Week
Nov. 2 at Michigan State*
Nov. 9 NEBRASKA*
Nov. 16 at Northwestern*
Nov. 23 at Iowa*
Nov. 30 OHIO STATE*
Dec. 7 Big Ten Championship Game

 

EDIT:  Also worth noting - two bye weeks, with one coming the week before MSU.

MGoBoard

StoneRoses

November 25th, 2012 at 7:03 PM ^

We shut down ND's passing attack. They are #1 team right now. We have/had a pretty solid pass defense. Heck, we even kept Miller in check pretty much after the opening TD. Maxwell at MSU also seems to be a decent QB, and we shut him down completely.

Joined: 05/30/2012

MGoPoints: 510

ghost

November 25th, 2012 at 8:50 PM ^

A great one scores more than 22 points against USC or 21 against BC.  Them having a good defense is also not an argument as to why his numbers aren't great.  Look at AJ McCarron.  Gholson doesn't compare to guys like Manzeil, Marriota or even Miller, who are all also RS freshmen.  Hundley, Walsh, and Bridgewater are all from his year and are guys that all look to be better then him.  

Joined: 09/02/2011

MGoPoints: 4140

squashman

November 25th, 2012 at 7:20 PM ^

Ohio had about 220 yards of offense in the first half. They scored on 4 of their 6 possessions and most of their drives started on their 35 yard line or less. They scored 20 points in the first half more than they scored in regulation against Wisconsin the week before.

Joined: 11/23/2009

MGoPoints: 168

OmarDontScare

November 25th, 2012 at 9:13 PM ^

Maxwell is statistically the worst QB in the B1G. He's not good. State fans are calling for a true Freshman to start next year.

Joined: 08/13/2010

MGoPoints: 1800

Lionsfan

November 25th, 2012 at 7:02 PM ^

Next year we could be looking at playing another undefeated OSU team too. Their Non-Conference is a joke, they have the three toughest teams at home; Wisky, Iowa, and PSU, and that's a stretch calling them tough. The biggest obstacle to another 11-0 OSU game could be at NW

Joined: 06/03/2011

MGoPoints: 2528

PepperHicks

November 25th, 2012 at 7:16 PM ^

Based on the early schedule, I see UM at 7-0 going into the MSU game.  ND plays at the Big House, and they will have lost a ton of talent from this season, so I see M getting the victory.  The final five games will be tough, but I see no reason why we can't go 3-2 down the stretch at worst.

Joined: 12/13/2011

MGoPoints: 342

LSAClassOf2000

November 25th, 2012 at 7:24 PM ^

The schedule does shape up well in 2013. Using the current Sagarin numbers, we would basically be favorites by 2 TDs and some change against CMU, Akron and UConn, and a 1 TD underdog against ND. By this model, the only conference game in which we would not be technically favored (disregarding the impossibility of scoring 0.15 points,  for example) is actually Nebraska, but Nebraska, Penn State, Ohio State and Northwestern would be statistically a toss-up essentially. I like our chances against a Penn State team that should be in decline because of sanctions. Based on what these teams are right now, the way-too-early stats point to 9-3-ish, but even better records would be possible - 7-0 going into the Michigan State game would not be unrealistic based on available ratings. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130602

Red is Blue

November 25th, 2012 at 8:23 PM ^

FWIW, doesn't seem like someone wanting to flame or troll woudl start off with "sorry."  Also, downvoting a post marked off topic for being off topic seems a little silly too.  If you were genuinely asking, think I saw a post from Magnus in another thread that said he did indeed visit.  If you weren't being genuine, I fell for it.

Joined: 05/13/2010

MGoPoints: 23889

ThadMattasagoblin

November 25th, 2012 at 7:58 PM ^

I disagree.  Gholson only got 22 points vs. a terrible USC defense and 21 points against a two win BC team.  He's extremely overrated.  ND is undefeated only because Barkley is out and their defense.

Joined: 08/24/2011

MGoPoints: 63999

Perkis-Size Me

November 25th, 2012 at 8:00 PM ^

Our defense will only get better next year, especially with Countess back, and it should help to keep us in every game we play. How we ultimately fare, though, depends on how well Gardner can take command of the offense, how well the offensive line holds up, and who is toting the rock.

Joined: 11/30/2011

MGoPoints: 105477

MichiganMan20

November 25th, 2012 at 8:07 PM ^

Michigan and OSU will both be 11-0 going into The Game and Michigan will come out on top. They will meet again in the B1G championship game and Michigan will come out on top again. 14-0 national champs. Gardner for Heisman. You heard it here first. Go Blue!

Joined: 05/16/2010

MGoPoints: 4110

FormerlyBigBlue71

November 25th, 2012 at 8:26 PM ^

The defense should be anywhere from good to great. 

On the Dline we are returning Beyer, Clark, Ojemudia, Pipkins, Black, and Washington.  The only real question will be strongside end where it should be a competition between Heitzman, Strobel and Wormley.  Maybe Beyer moves to strongside end?  Either way the defensive line looks above average.

The linebacking core should be great.  We bring back Ross, Bolden, Morgan and JMFR.  Along with a bunch of other guys that should add solid competition to the mix.

The secondary will be average.  We get Countess back but we lose Kovacs at safety.  Gordon and Raymon Taylor return.  The real question will be who replaces Kovacs.  Not only will he have to be a solid player but somebody will have to step up as the quarterback of the secondary.

The Offense is what worries me

Even if Lewan comes back the offensive line will be young and inexperienced on the interior. Cannot be much worse than the interior this year but probably won't be much better either.  I expect them to struggle, especially early on.

The TE position should be just fine with Funchess and Williams barring any injuries.

Running Back...Yikes, God Speed on that recovery Toussaint.

Wide Reciever will be nothing more than an average group with guys like Gallon, Dileo, Jerald Robinson, Darboh and Chesson( I dont expect any young guys to be stars yet)

Quarterback should be good to great with Devin as long as he continues to grow as a passer and leader, can get decent protection and Borges puts him in good situations to succeed.

 

9-3

Joined: 02/20/2011

MGoPoints: 404

Red is Blue

November 25th, 2012 at 8:27 PM ^

Seems like NW might be a tough game next year.  It is on the road and follows MSU and Nebraska in consequetive weeks.  Even if those teams aren't great next year, I expect those games to take an emotional toll.  

Joined: 05/13/2010

MGoPoints: 23889

Heisman212

November 25th, 2012 at 9:00 PM ^

untill the bowl game. That game will hopefully ease some of the pain of the losses this year. It will be interesting to see how we play against what will probably be either Florida or Georgia. Thats assuming the Cap One Bowl picks us.

Joined: 08/24/2009

MGoPoints: 364

Sideline

November 25th, 2012 at 9:22 PM ^

Could very well go undefeated.
Notre Dame is scary, once we pass them... We should be able to Roll a little bit... Benefit of having Nebraska at home... And Hoke will finally have most of his kids on the field, not Rich Rod's... I like the idea of having some WRs in the system for a year that have the skillset/size with a year of experience in te system at least

Joined: 12/09/2009

MGoPoints: 2378

Soulfire21

November 25th, 2012 at 9:42 PM ^

Our chances as 12-0 next year, seriously.  If we ever do it, it will be in an odd year because for some reason when the Big Ten did schedules they chose to take us behind a woodshed every even year and lighten things up every odd year.

Joined: 03/18/2010

MGoPoints: 22716

UM2018

November 25th, 2012 at 10:37 PM ^

only games that really worry me are @Northwestern and Ohio State,

Northwestern is due to beat us and OSU is always going to be tough.

I don't see us losing to notre dame at home, at night, in notre dame's last game in the big house. I also don't see us losing to Nebraska two years in a row and I think we'll blow MSU out. Worst I can see us doing is 10-2 with a game against OSU for the big 10 chamionship, but I would'nt be surprised if the OSU game is a 1-2 matchup with both teams being undefeated.

Joined: 10/10/2012

MGoPoints: 174

WingsNWolverines

November 25th, 2012 at 11:02 PM ^

Bucknuts play NOBODY next year. Their OOC schedule consists of Buffalo, SDSU, Florida A&m and Cal on the road. Wisconsin is at Ohio and of course they are at the Big House. The only two tough games they play. They are on the road vs Northwestern and with Colter coming back they could be an upset team. Next year they could very well have only 1 or 0 losses again with the shit schedule they once again play besides us and few others. Purdue won't give them a game with new staff there PSU will be horrifc with seniors leaving on D.

Notre Dame

Nebraska

Ohio St

I''d throw MSU in there but they''ll be depleated once again next year and I don't see them being any better next year.

But with that schedule and all the big games at home along with a cupcake schedule for the Wolverines I see them undefeated at 11-0 vs 11-0 OSU in The Game. I think we will see another 2006 like matchup. This time Michigan will be the victorious ones.

Joined: 04/27/2011

MGoPoints: 587

NDPhilly

November 25th, 2012 at 11:14 PM ^

Golson has made huge strides throughout the year and will only get better. Outside we return Davaris Daniels and TJ Jones. I expect Davaris to take a huge step in the offseason. Chris Brown who runs a sub 4.4 will also be a factor. At slot 5 star Davonte Neal will start. While he doesn't have the experience of he by Far quicker and faster and adds another dimension that this offense hasent seen yet. At OL we should return 3 of 5. That could change if Zack Martin declares but he is leaning towards staying. At TE we lose the #1 TE in the country but replace him with 6'7" Troy Niklas, Alex Welch who tore his acl in camp, and former #1 TE Ben Koyack. RB should be fine with George Atkinson, Cam McDaniel, USC transfer Amir Carlisle, and Will Mahone. I look for Carlisle to get most of the #1 reps there. Overall I expect the Offense to be better next year. On Defense our DL will be even better next year even with losing Kapron Lewis-Moore. Tuitt and Louis Nix are both absolute beasts and Sheldon Day will step in nicely to fill Kaps spot along with RFR Jarron Jones who's 6'6" 300lb. At CAT Prince Shembo returns and could very well have 10+ sacks and be a AA as well as Ishaq Williams. At DOG Danny Spond returns who is probably the most underrated player on ND. At MLB we lose Te'o of course which really hurts but we return Danny Fox and maybe Carlo Calabrese depending on If he gets a 5th which I think he does. At Corner we return both Bennett Jackson and Keivarae Russell.. They will be one of the best tandems in the country next year. Lo Wood also returns from a Torn Achilles. At Safety we lose Motta but return Farley at SS whose played extremely well for a converted WR this year. In Motta's spot will either be Austin Collinsworth who was injured all this year or Nicky Baratti. Overall I think the Front 7 will be basically just as good and the Back 7 to be even better.

Joined: 08/04/2011

MGoPoints: 97

ghost

November 26th, 2012 at 10:31 AM ^

You can't reasonably assume that all of that will happen.  Your basically take the best case scenario for every position and assuming it will happen.  It won't. It never does.   Chances are ND is going to lose guys to the draft.  Best corner back tandem in the country?  I don't think so.  Talk about overrating your players.  Guys like Manziel made huge strides.  Gholson didn't.  

Joined: 09/02/2011

MGoPoints: 4140