September 19th, 2018 at 12:33 PM ^
This is excellent news. A healthy Higdon is a big deal for the Wolverines' offense.
September 19th, 2018 at 12:34 PM ^
Would like to see a balanced, dominant offensive attack. Something that gets scores on about 8/10 offensive drives, with 5/8 scores being TDs.
Defensive game will be interesting if Martinez can go. Good practice keeping contain against a QB who looks like a great runner. 44-16 Michigan.
September 19th, 2018 at 12:50 PM ^
I have a sneaking suspicion that this game is going to be a lot closer than you think it is if Martinez plays. I DO NOT think Michigan will lose the game. I do, however, think there will be uncomfortable moments in the second half. I think Scott Frost has probably been game planning semi-exclusively for this game since the Spring, and that Nebraska will be ready to compete hard in this game.
September 19th, 2018 at 12:53 PM ^
Their QB is a walkon. If Martinez plays, he may be limited and will likely not finish the game. I watched the game Martinez played in and Nebraska will be very good very soon, just not this Saturday.
September 19th, 2018 at 12:54 PM ^
UCF in 2016 would murder this nebraska outfit.
Even if their QB can play, it’s a true freshman walking wounded playing his first road game against a ranked opponent who is out to prove something.
September 19th, 2018 at 12:58 PM ^
I give the tangibles to Michigan heavily, but I give all the "feels" to Nebraska. First year coach, trying to get that first win, a historical connection to the game, a freshman QB with breakout potential, Hudson out the first half. I think there will be a heavy Nebraska lean in the narrative leading up to and during this game.
Once again, I don't think Michigan will lose the game, and I think the next two games after this will be comfortable wins, but I expect this game to be surprisingly close and am prepping myself for the taeks after it is.
September 19th, 2018 at 1:55 PM ^
Do you ever give the "feels" to Michigan? It seems like you're always giving the psychological edge to our opponent.
September 19th, 2018 at 2:48 PM ^
Not that often in football. During the last few years, even when the "feels" seem to be leaning in Michigan's favor they are often obliterated in spectacular fashion. I thought we had the "feels" in 2015 Michigan State for sure, 2016 Ohio State lined up as a nice bookend revenge game for 2006 and Harbaugh's signature moment, I thought all signs pointed toward Michigan beating Notre Dame this year. Even last year against OSU, I thought UM as a heavy underdog finally breaking through against OSU and O'Korn making amends for his past performance had a very intriguing feel to it. Again, not to be.
So I guess it is fair to say that recent results in the "feels" department may be turning me into a pessimist by nature as far as football goes. Or maybe my "feels" are just completely off-base entirely which means that Michigan will win 56-0 this weekend.
September 19th, 2018 at 3:45 PM ^
The universe craves darkness. And on Saturday, I'm perfectly willing to cheer out loud for that darkness.
September 19th, 2018 at 6:06 PM ^
You completely lost me @ the Okorn breakout. I'll take your feels raise you two talons, and I guarantee we wipe the field with those Corn-heads!!!
September 19th, 2018 at 12:56 PM ^
I get your thinking but Frost has a lot of things on his plate right now and throwing the kitchen sink at Michigan when he has an injured QB and a young team just learning his system may not be the best course of action. I think next year at Lincoln in his 2nd year is when we see the "all in" gameplan to announce Nebraska's return to the national stage.
It will be interesting to see if he takes the same approach he did when he was at UCF and they went all in.
My bet is no.
September 19th, 2018 at 1:53 PM ^
I agree. Nebraska is going to make this their bowl game. That said, I think M will be better prepared for this game than the previous 3. For one, the Oline is getting better, Shea is getting better and building chemistry with WR's. D will be looking to atone for some sloppy play last week. And the "outhit" comment will not score any touchdowns but help to keep guys focused.
September 19th, 2018 at 2:38 PM ^
If Martinez plays, he'll be a crumpled heap of rubble by halftime. He's hobbled and that's not a good thing against Bush, Gary and Chase. He needs to be 100+% or he's getting crushed.
September 19th, 2018 at 1:02 PM ^
Good grief. I don't know why so many of you seem to have this idea that Michigan's players are automatically superior and will dominate. Nebraska has very good players too. Football is a difficult game to play as a team-with a ton of variables. This game is going to be a challenge.
September 19th, 2018 at 1:09 PM ^
Michigan is favored by 19. It's the entire football community that believes this will be a comfortable win.
If you're very certain in your view, you should take the points and Nebraska, and put down a lot of money.
September 19th, 2018 at 1:11 PM ^
I can disagree with the "entire football community." The "entire football community" is literally wrong like 4 times per week. I have never bet on a sporting event in my life and am not going to start because I think Nebraska is going to play Michigan tough.
I hope it is a blowout, I just don't think it is going to be. I will drink a glass of really sour lemonade live on Mgoblog if I am wrong.
September 19th, 2018 at 3:35 PM ^
I wasn't replying to you, at least I didn't mean to, though I can understand that's confusing with the new site layout.
Being wrong 4 times a week means they're right all the other times. So you should re-adjust your panic meter to say "there's like a 2% chance that they're wrong on this Michigan game."
In fact they're probably wrong much more than that.
September 19th, 2018 at 4:00 PM ^
I just mean that roughly 4 times per week heavy favorites are taken to the limit or close to it, at least that is how it seems.
September 19th, 2018 at 1:05 PM ^
If Martinez is a go, I’d say Michigan wins like 28-17 or 28-20. I think the huskers come out tough. They will play hard
September 19th, 2018 at 1:06 PM ^
That seems optimistic. Nebraska is 11th in sacks and top 20 in run defense so they match up well to slow our supposed strength and exploit the greatest weakness. I think Michigan wins but does not cover if Martinez plays. If he doesn't then yes they cover because Nebraska wont be able to move the ball. Im thinking more of a 28-17 type game w/ Martinez and a 31-7 type game with Bunch.
*Replying to HarbaughFever not LeonHall.
September 19th, 2018 at 1:13 PM ^
The line is certainly pricing in the probability of Martinez playing, but a hobbled one. A fully healthy Martinez probably would have meant a lower line.
There's still a good possibility that he won't play. If he's not full-go, it's a tough task to ask him to go against this defense
September 19th, 2018 at 12:38 PM ^
We are going to diarrhea all over Nebraska this week with these two playing.
September 19th, 2018 at 12:42 PM ^
Are you a poet?
September 19th, 2018 at 12:49 PM ^
...or just a guy with loose stool.
September 19th, 2018 at 7:05 PM ^
Try Loperamide...that should help
September 19th, 2018 at 12:38 PM ^
That just took me over the edge on whether or not we'll cover the spread. Nebraska's defense can't handle Higdon plus a great passing attack, lack of pass-blocking be damned.
September 19th, 2018 at 12:42 PM ^
Michigan by a zilly.
September 19th, 2018 at 12:42 PM ^
Hopefully once Michigan gets a comfortable lead, they can give some carries to samuels. His speed could be a huge gamechanger going forward but he needs more than 2 carries in a game to get real experience.
September 19th, 2018 at 1:07 PM ^
Hopefully Michigan gets a "comfortable" lead.
From what (little) I have seen of Samuels he in very much in the mold of Higdon.
September 19th, 2018 at 12:45 PM ^
This seems to confirm that Evans was more cramps than a hamstring, but has it ever come out what exactly happened to Higdon?
September 19th, 2018 at 12:50 PM ^
Thought it was a hamstring the first time I saw it. Watching the tape again, how quickly he got up and walked to the sidelines I got the feeling it was just cramps. Glad he is okay!
September 19th, 2018 at 12:51 PM ^
I think I heard something about diarrhea...
September 19th, 2018 at 1:05 PM ^
Good. Maybe we can convert 3rd and 1 now.
September 19th, 2018 at 1:31 PM ^
Good. I want no mercy for the children of the corn.
September 19th, 2018 at 1:57 PM ^
Jay Harbaugh Interview re: Michigan Running Backs
September 19th, 2018 at 2:02 PM ^
Whew. That’s welcome news. This is going to be a tough game especially if Martinez plays and especially if nothing new is done to remedy our slot v safety match-up dilemma.
September 19th, 2018 at 2:13 PM ^
Good news indeed.
What would be even better news is if our offense doesn't start so sluggishly like it has in our other games so far.
September 19th, 2018 at 2:53 PM ^
Really hoping that Evans is really just a cramp. The way he pulled up looked more like a bigger issue than cramping. If that is the case, it could be a long, tough year for him with a nagging hamstring.
September 19th, 2018 at 2:55 PM ^
Am I the only one reading this like they will be "available" if needed, but won't start?
September 19th, 2018 at 2:57 PM ^
Great news. One small part of me was looking forward to seeing a little more of what O’Maury could do. Hope for a blowout so I can still get it.
September 19th, 2018 at 5:47 PM ^
I still would like to see Samuels and Tru out there to start the game and see if we can get a win while letting our 1A and 1B options get some rest and recovery time.
September 19th, 2018 at 3:41 PM ^
Maybe I've become a pessimist, but until I see Michigan put together 60 minutes of solid, fundamental football, I won't feel confident against anyone. Also, this talk about Martinez reminds me of what people were saying about Wimbush. I hope the team puts it together but I'm not holding my breath.
September 19th, 2018 at 6:17 PM ^
After looking like a Heisman contender against us, Wimbush seems to have reverted more to his 2017 form. I think we are the better team, I just hope we play like it.
September 19th, 2018 at 6:37 PM ^
I agree with you. So far this team has looked seriously flawed.
September 19th, 2018 at 5:03 PM ^
I am a firm believer in that last weekend, and the Notre Dame game were extremely hot and muggy and had a big effect on Michigan's play. I think it made our players cramp up and get tired. That may seem like a lame excuse, but I'm a pretty active guy, and I was beat just by jogging outside for 30 minutes. you could see it on Shea's face. Drenched in sweat.
With that said, it's projected to be near the high 60's low 70's this weekend in Ann Arbor.
I think this is going to be a huge game for us. I see us completely unloading on Nebraska and having a huge game.
As I said in a previous thread, my wife's grampa passed, and he was a huge Husker fan. He would have loved to have watched this game with me. He would also be smart enough to tell ya that there is no way in Hell Nebraska goes into Ann Arbor and beats Michigan after losing to Troy.
All in all, guys, this is going to be a very fun game. I expect the running game to be explosive. I also expect Patterson to be a little more free in slinging the ball to DPJ.
38-14 Michigan
September 19th, 2018 at 6:09 PM ^
I'm not a total believer in Tru Wilson as a pure runner, but his blocking skills are vital to this offense. Give him more snaps and pass pro as a whole will improve.
Runyan gets shat on (deservedly), but Higdon/Evans is a big part of our pass pro woes. Wilson is like a heat seeking missile when he makes a block - aggressive and decisive. I find that Higdon is often on his heels, anticipating the blocker coming to him.