After IU, Do We Now Suffer From BPOPE?
Like many of you, I wasn't terribly excited by the Team's performance yesterday. I was relieved Michigan won the game, but it was in a less convincing fashion than we've become accustomed to lately.
Did we expect too much? Do we now suffer from a different game day expectation affliction? An affliction based on the expectation that the Offense moves the ball easily and puts up 42 points? One where the Defense imposes a Rutger on the opposition offense and only gives up one garbage-time drive?
Are we now outside the realm of BPONE, and susceptible to the Bright Pinnacle of Positive Expectations (BPOPE)?
After all, the Offense moved the ball well, gained 500+ yards, had 8 scoring drives, and only punted once, I believe. The Defense ceded more yards than normal, but only gave up 3 second half points.
With "The Game" looming large next Saturday, will we fall back into the depths of BPONE, or are we now afflicted with this newly discovered strain of BPOPE?
Go Blue, Beat Ohio!
November 18th, 2018 at 2:24 PM ^
Yes, he was sitting on the other side of the folding/card/kid's table stuck out in the living room.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:04 AM ^
This is the finest comment in MGoBlog history. Shut it down, Brian. It’s been a good run and Go Blue!
November 18th, 2018 at 10:11 AM ^
Man, I want to come to your house for the holidays. Not because I have a burning desire for diarrhea or to drink cheap beer. I’ll just come for the comedy.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:12 AM ^
Bill Cosby pudding.
Is that when you don’t want pudding, but get it anyway?
November 18th, 2018 at 10:16 AM ^
Excellent post EGD. It was like reading a Readers Digest condensed version of A Christmas Story meets Christmas Vacation. Plus 1s to you sir for the foreseeable future.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:30 AM ^
Dude, your childhood seems similar. LMAO!!! Mine was almost the same - only Grandma cooked the hell out of everything. She was a GREAT cook!!! But otherwise, yeah, just the same...
November 18th, 2018 at 10:56 AM ^
Oh My God I can barely type through the tears caused by laughing so hard. This is perfect.. I've book marked this comment for future entertainment...
November 18th, 2018 at 11:08 AM ^
Y'all got presents during Thanksgiving?
November 18th, 2018 at 11:12 AM ^
Best Ever!!! Bravo!!!
November 18th, 2018 at 9:47 AM ^
A win is all that matters. The defense was challenged for the first time in a long time, but they adjusted and gave up yards and not points in the second half. Indiana was much better than their record indicated. They had tight games vs OSU and PSU as well in the first halves, but ultimately couldn’t beat either. We didn’t play our best but won.
As for if this is a blueprint for beating Michigan, we have experience now with facing this blueprint and it’s probably what OSU was going to do anyway. OSU doesn’t have a fast QB but they do have better passing offense than we’ve seen. Our D line will need to get more pressure than tonight.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:44 AM ^
Sorry, I saw Minnesota run up 500+ yds on them. They’re defense is ass.
November 18th, 2018 at 11:27 AM ^
The IU defense was good yesterday, but we run so much zone read that if Patterson isn’t pulling from time to time it’s not a hard offense to stop. When he did pull or went for the pass option he was gaining lots of yards, but that was a bigger risk for injuries. I think the staff made the calculation it was better to win ugly and keep Patterson healthy for OSU. I’d say it was a good call.
November 18th, 2018 at 11:03 AM ^
Indiana also seems to have had a better line protecting their QB than OSU does. From what I've seen, Michigan will spend plenty of time in Haskins' face and if the last few games are any indication, Michigan should have a good time on offense as well
November 18th, 2018 at 12:51 PM ^
From my understanding the I/U Oline was pretty experienced. Like some 3 year starters.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:00 AM ^
Kansas put up 40 points on Oklahoma. I think we're okay.
BPONE does not exist during hate week. Best Ohio.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:04 AM ^
Good lord, so many chicken littles in this fan base.
We won yesterday, closer than expected but still without too much drama at the end. Weird games happen...ask West Virginia who just lost to a .500 Okie State. It’s survive and advance this time of year. At least we didn’t give up 50 and require a bad QB throw on a 2-point conversion to win the game.
and for those worried about OSU’s offense next week? Look at what MSU did to them. Michigan is a wee bit better than Maryland on D.
Stop fanning scared and embrace it. Michigan ain’t losing Saturday.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:12 AM ^
Its the age of the snowflake. This country is full of pussies these days.
November 18th, 2018 at 11:16 AM ^
There are lots of former Soviet block countries that are full of tough guys. You should think about visiting. I hear Belarus is nice this time of year!
November 18th, 2018 at 10:09 AM ^
We have won a lot of games. We still are not a playoff caliber team. Watch any number of our games, particularly the first halves of games, and you will see struggles to get the offense going or going consistently and trouble stopping some offenses. NW, ND, SMU, and IU all gave us trouble at times. We still have a number of weaknesses, particularly if we are not 100% healthy. OSU has also struggled at times this season. However, overall I still believe they have the talent edge. Haskins IMO has the ability to drop accurate passes on man coverage that will enable them to score points. And, their d-line, particularly on the edges, will be good enough to give our tackles problems. So, I still like OSU as the favorite in this game, particularly at home. Regardless of the outcome against OSU, this season has exceeded most expectations.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:14 AM ^
Well, a “playoff caliber” Alabama team was tied with The Citadel at the half, and needed Tua to play hurt in order to finally take control of the game.
November 18th, 2018 at 4:29 PM ^
So, are you saying you believe we can beat Bama? Lets compare our most recent games that you referenced. It's true both teams struggled at times in the first half against inferior opponents. UM was only up 17-15 and Bama was tied 10-10. However, the final score in our game was 31-20 and theirs was 50-17. UM outscored IU 16-3 in the second half whereas Bama did 40-7.
Ultimately, both teams will have their chance to earn their spot against OSU & NW for UM and Aub & GA for Bama. Neither of those routes are particularly easy. I believe UM will keep the game close and should be able to run the ball with some success against OSU. However, based on what I've seen last year and this I am not confident in our ability to stop Haskins nor our ability to block OSU's d-line. And, I'm getting more concerned with the health of our d-line. Ultimately, I have to give OSU the edge at home in a close game.
November 18th, 2018 at 11:21 AM ^
OSU has struggled at times??? Tell me the game they did not struggle most of the game in the last 4 games in offense and defense. BPONE.
November 18th, 2018 at 4:48 PM ^
Clearly we are both ranked similarly. Combining FEI and S&P stats UM is #4 overall and OSU is #8. However, using FEI offensive rankings OSU is #7 and UM is #15. And, using S&P OSU is #10 and UM is #21. So, OSU clearly has the better offense.
Although UM has a better defensive rank, it comes in the back half. Our d-lines are ranked similarly. And, based on what I've seen, Haskins can drop the ball in tight windows on pretty much anybody so I'm not sure that our DBs can shut them down. I have not seen that ability out of Patterson. For us to move the ball against quality defenses we often had to use Shea's legs to keep the offense moving the chains. And, although both d-lines have been able to dominate, we have some serious questions on the health of Solomon, Gary, and Winovich. I don't have much faith in our ability to block Young.
If we can protect Patterson and get a consistent running game going I think we can take advantage of favorable matchups on their LBs and DBs, but I'm not sure we can protect Shea. It will be a good chess match and maybe it's PTSD from the past decade plus of losses and from watching Haskins drop dimes on us last year after Barrett went out, but I see OSU as the favorite at home.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:09 AM ^
The Indiana QB had 5 rushes, all on 3rd down and all for first downs. Not gonna happen again.
The offense scored on 8 drives and moved the ball at will. The fact that half of them didnt score TDs doesnt worry me. It wont happen again. The positive is we dont all butt pucker when we have to kick a FG next week or later. We have a reliable kicker.
Weird games before a huge game that the team has been pointing to since November of last year isnt atypical. In 1986 we lost to Minnesota as an undefeated #2 the week before OSU. We went down to Columbus and won the Game. In 2018 we beat Indiana and I was never really all that concerned that we would lose.
The team is in a good place as long as the injuries arent too severe. Were good to go.
Beat OSU!
November 18th, 2018 at 11:07 AM ^
"The Indiana QB had 5 rushes, all on 3rd down and all for first downs. Not gonna happen again."
It will when we play Indiana again. They always seem to make every play. They give Michigan the craziest games of the season year after year. They scare the hell out of us and then lose. It's their thing.
But you're right, no one else will do that to Michigan. It's Indiana's schtick and no one else's.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:11 AM ^
I enjoyed the game experience. Crowd was way into it in the second half.
It was interesting to see Indiana having a guy go wide, which took Bush out of the middle of the field at times. Made some QB runs seem pretty easy. I’m assuming that’ll give Brown some ideas on how to avoid that, and how to avoid some crossing routes.
Mat the end of the day, Indiana has played some folks tough. Teams will get yards in this league. Everything this team wants is in front of them. Here’s to going down to Ohio and stomping that team into the ground.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:11 AM ^
My BPONE has never really left me. It’s a lifetime affliction that I can manage but probably not cure. Of course, winning is the best treatment.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:11 AM ^
I always have BPOPE - predict 12-0 every year, usually am not right, but always a little surprised.
And honestly, it doesn't matter. UM wants to win this game badly, and the team will put everything into it. Doesn't mean it will work out. But, for the first time in a decade, it feels like it *should*. This alone is reason for optimism.
November 18th, 2018 at 11:10 AM ^
Plus this year, Michigan has a cocky, confident, accurate QB who can pull the ball and run well too. With that at the helm, it makes it a lot easier to win. If the defense can do its thing and the offensive line can open some holes, it's going to be 42 to (not 42 that's for damn sure) good guys
November 18th, 2018 at 10:13 AM ^
As with the Rutgers game we tried to get by as vanilla as possible. Finally had to give in and let Shea get tackled a few times. The playbook will be fully open this week.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:16 AM ^
People need to stop expecting perfection every time out. It was a classic trap game and IU is a scrappy - and dirty - team that plays most teams tough. Now we prepare to bring our A game next Saturday.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:29 AM ^
I’d rather have some BPONE this week and a team that is working their ass off preparing for this game, than the alternative. Indiana exposed weaknesses on Defense and I have no doubt that Don Brown, Chase Winovich, Rashan Gary and Devin Bush will be ready to rectify those issues next weekend.
November 18th, 2018 at 10:58 AM ^
Osu looked awful yesterday against Maryland for Christ sakes. But remember that if they win they go to championship game, so they will be highly motivated too.
November 18th, 2018 at 11:28 AM ^
I’m probably just rationalizing, but I actually like it better that OSU has everything to play for too.
I would have rather already wrapped the east of course, but that would have allowed OSU to play loose, with nothing to lose really. All the pressure would have been on Michigan.
Now the pressure is pretty much equal. And the vibes I get from OSU are not good if I’m a buckeye fan. Their players seem content to have just won and Haskins blamed it on Maryland being motivated because he was once committed there. Only Urban seems to recognize how bad they played.
November 18th, 2018 at 11:07 AM ^
It’s a privileged position to be in after the season we have had. The team had several players with the flu, we didn’t pull out all the stop in the game plan, we put up 500 yards of offense and the D gave up 3 points in the second half. If we put the ball in the end zone a couple times including that bullshit at the end of the half this game is exactly what we expected. It happens. There will be no mercy in Columbus. Chase will be out there in a cast or on crutches or from a damn hospital bed if he has to. This is Michigan vs OSU for the B1G Title and a shot at the playoffs. Time for payback, revenge and whatever else you wanna call the ass kicking OSU has coming on saturday.
November 18th, 2018 at 12:56 PM ^
They have a decade and a half of retribution coming.
November 18th, 2018 at 11:12 AM ^
Feels like this has to be the year. But I have major BPONE. Anything but another 2006 / 2016 redux.
This team seems different though.. LFG.
November 18th, 2018 at 12:10 PM ^
In 2016 OSU had a much better defense. I think our defense is just as good as the 2016 team. The difference is we may now have a QB to make big plays in the game!
November 18th, 2018 at 12:55 PM ^
In 2016 OSU also had the 12th man in stripes.
November 18th, 2018 at 11:18 AM ^
Since Brian’s BPONE post after ND, I have used WCOPE together me through the year.
White Cloud of Positive Expectations. It helped yesterday and it has me expecting a win on Saturday!
November 18th, 2018 at 11:24 AM ^
Though I didn't have a name for it, I have been in the BPONE of negative expectations ever since a guy behind me in the stands blurted out "he can't do it again, can he?" as that second, damn, kickoff landed in Rocket Ismail's hands, decades ago.
I reserve the right to cling to my BPONE until Metellus is returning a pick six to put UM up by 21 with about 3 minutes left on Saturday..... oh wait, that is a positive thought, must not have that, must not have that....
November 18th, 2018 at 11:31 AM ^
It's the Game. Throw out all the stats. I do expect to see Urban bent over the whole game with his head between his ass cheeks.
November 18th, 2018 at 11:35 AM ^
With his tongue out?
November 18th, 2018 at 2:36 PM ^
Wish I could upvote this comment more than once!
November 18th, 2018 at 12:17 PM ^
I honestly think our team is capable of beating anybody, but..
Over the last 4 years our big wins are against Penn State this year, and a McElwain led Florida in year 1, while we consistently give every other team with a pulse a chance to beat us, or the refs a chance to job us.
We still let mediocre teams hang around within 1 score in the 4th quarter, and after losing close games against Iowa, Wisconsin, lil bro, fsu, or the buckeyes, and totally imploding in all 3 phases against lowly South Carolina (ugh) my expectations are not in danger of being too high.
I repeat: I believe we CAN beat anybody, but until we do I'm stuck in the bpone.
November 18th, 2018 at 12:18 PM ^
Our defense plays off of motivation. The last two games it looked as if they were going through the motion at times. I expect the D to be jacked up again, with a better pass rush. I don't think the D will start out slow against OSU. I'm sure OSU will try to give our D the death through a thousand slants but when the D was up for the PSU game, that did not work out too well.
November 18th, 2018 at 12:21 PM ^
All hell will be unleashed Saturday it will be jaw dropping...Indiana game was played like close to the vest.
November 18th, 2018 at 12:37 PM ^
Nope, still BPONE, road game against the bad guys.
November 18th, 2018 at 12:52 PM ^
I'm completely there. OF COURSE A KEY PLAYER GETS INJURED THE WEEK BEFORE THE GAME. OSU HAS CAUGHT EVERY BREAK IN THIS SERIES SINCE 2002. And let's not forget the gift man gives himself: cheating! It's just not in the cards for us it seems...
And heaven knows Delaney is too busy counting cable money to do anything about it.
November 18th, 2018 at 2:25 PM ^
I wish it wasn’t the case, but I just can’t let my mind go to thinking we are going to win. I realize I am not giving our team the credit they deserve and have earned. I am in a see it to believe it mind frame going into this weekend. By the way, this has nothing to do with how we played yesterday but everything to do with how the last 17 years have gone against OSU.