2019 Football Schedule & Too f&%$#@* early predictions...
A lot of "guessing the '19 record" posts in other threads and schedule talk so let's take a look...shall we? Below are my way too early, probably incorrect, predictions.
All teams have two byes. Home games are nice but you play @Wisconsin and 4 of the last 6 games are "big games", 3 of the last 5 are rivalry games. Not sure I love playing MSU and then OSU two weeks later either.
PSA: Relax…no football this week, no basketball, it’s a message board and we don’t have much to talk about for a few days if it stresses you out looking at 2019 double up on your xanax. xoxo
Aug. 31- Middle Tennessee State (8-5) Prediction: WIN
Sept. 7- Army (10-2) Prediction: WIN
Sept. 14- BYE WEEK **Wisconsin also has a bye week here
Sept. 21- at Wisconsin* (7-5) Prediction: LOSS
Sept. 28- Rutgers* (1-11) Prediction: WIN
Oct. 5- Iowa* (8-4) Prediction: WIN
Oct. 12- at Illinois* (4-8) Prediction: WIN
Oct. 19- at Penn State* (9-3) Prediction: LOSS
Oct. 26 - Notre Dame (12-0) Prediction: WIN
Nov. 2- at Maryland* (5-7) Prediction: WIN
Nov. 9- BYE WEEK
Nov. 16- Michigan State* (7-5) Prediction: WIN
Nov. 23- at Indiana* (5-7) Prediction: WIN
Nov. 30- Ohio State*(12-1, big ten champ, Michigan ass kicker) Prediction: WIN
Prediction: 10-2. I'd assume out of @UW, @PSU, ND, OSU, they lose two games. I picked the away ones, just because. I sort of laughed writing in "W" for the osu game, of course.
Epic Riveting Thoughts: Defense has a lot of dynamic moments but not as consistent as the 2018 squad. The offense has a chance to be elite led upfront by a kick ass line. The offense wins most games with the defense playing like a top 15 unit (which is still damn good). Unfortunately, the offense putters a few times and the defense can’t work a miracle like this year (sans osu). Michigan has a very good year, wins 10 games but may miss the Championship Game again.
Have a good hump day.
Share your thoughts. Please. Or don't, whatever, nobody cares.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:43 AM ^
I’d be pretty surprised if Shea did not come back. No guarantees, but he’s not going to get a Round 1 or 2 grade from the draft evaluation folks, and that’s probably not acceptable to him. We will see.
As for Penn State, yeah they’re going to be interesting moving forward. Franklin has recruited well, but it’s hard to see them not continuing to regress as they lose more from the really good 2016-17 teams. Their offense was pitiful at times this year, and McSorley is out the door. Pry didn’t get hired away though, and they had a lot of young faces on a good defense this year, so that side of the ball will need to keep them in some games in 2019.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:28 AM ^
Agreed. If we go into Wisconsin, and Penn State and lose as OP predicts...consider me bald from pulling my hair out. Neither of those teams were great this year and I don't see them making any huge leaps for next season. Especially with PSU losing McSorley.
Our offense was a lot better this year, and should continue to improve with most of our contributors returning. Defense we might need to make a couple adjustments depending on who leaves early but I refuse to say our defense will take a step back until I actually see it happen. On paper we should be undefeated heading into the OSU game, but Iowa worries me a little bit, for no reason other than they always seem to play us tough. Regardless of who ND loses this year, they will most likely come into AA and give us their best shot...that will be a tricky one. As always, I don't think MSU will be even close to as good of a team as us, but seeing as the road team has won every game in this rivalry since Harbaugh got here, and you know the disrespkt will be over flowing for them....we will need to play our best game to get that W. OSU at home, with a new coach, and new QB, SHOULD give us an advantage....but I don't have it in me to predict that game yet.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:48 AM ^
That's a fair take. It's just so hard to win so many games in a row my gut just can't imagine them winning all of UW/PSU/ND/OSU. I guess the question is, will this UM team be good enough to win a game or two against a good team when they lay an egg?
They will have a game or two where they do and I'd bet one will be @PSU or @UW.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:54 AM ^
Yeah I agree with that...I would even put Iowa on that list...even if it is homecoming. I think it is absolutely key to find some emotional leaders like we had with Bush, and Winovich. We need someone that will light a fire under the rest of the team.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:20 AM ^
12-1? Seriously? 7 straight losses to them and we are calling the W and against ND as well. Cheese and Rice, we have to stop "calling our shots", This season alone showed we need to stop with all chest thumping and revenge tour bull shit. I told my wife after Wino's interview post mSU game with the little brother comment and revenge tour bs we are going to lose again. I follow that team down south the few weeks before the game and I never saw them running their mouths about anything related to the revenge tour (if they did I never saw it), meaning they didn't waste energy on shit that didn't matter. All the tshirts and hats and beanies just pissed me off because everyone got so focused on that narrative that it was like we forgot to actually realize this game is the end all be all for them. Can we just stfu and prove it on the field instead of in the media? Sorry for the griping but at this point we have to stop assuming anything
December 12th, 2018 at 8:25 AM ^
You seem fun.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:03 AM ^
These are fans. They have no bearing on the game. You can hate the revenge tour stuff, but fans predicting wins is not the same. Your mixing your hate.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:03 AM ^
These are fans. They have no bearing on the game. You can hate the revenge tour stuff, but fans predicting wins is not the same. Your mixing your hate.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:47 AM ^
Why do you constantly double post? Just hit save once.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:51 AM ^
I don't play and this is just a message board. So..."we" aren't going to do anything except be fans...on a message board.
December 12th, 2018 at 10:52 AM ^
He is just making a prediction. And he is right. We are beating ND and OSU next year.
December 12th, 2018 at 11:43 AM ^
woooo boy - that way madness lies
The circle jerk here will have none of this realism and evidence based takes
only HAWT takes and unbridled enthusiasm here
Prepare thyself for the reckoning
December 12th, 2018 at 8:21 AM ^
This is a tough schedule. In hindsight it's tougher than 2018. Let's be honest that it is all pretty much all window dressing until Nov. 30 imo. PSU White Out followed by Notre Dame (likely night game) will probably be the gauntlet since they are bookended by road games. The defense should be pretty much reloaded. If Shea returns it could be a special year although the flashes of McCaffrey we saw were extremely promising. McCaffrey v. Martell (Year One) could be quality television. These thoughts are healthy to have so let's all keep the comments/speculation coming, folks.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:30 AM ^
home games vs. state/osu/nd and it's tougher than last year? Uh, no.
Look, we can slip up and lose to penn state or wisconsin and still be in the chase by our division - but we would then be required to beat osu/msu, but we want those games every year moreso than a W against penn state. Who threatens us more with a potential one game lead over us - penn state or msu/osu? it's much more likely penn state drops an additional two games.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:32 AM ^
MSU, OSU and ND are all at home. Please look at our home vs road record and point differentials.
2019 is a much easier schedule than this season.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:51 AM ^
OSU is a different beast, but I’d rather go to ND and MSU than Wisconsin and PSU.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:54 AM ^
So our future schedule is harder in hindsight than this year's schedule? OK.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:22 AM ^
This is a sneakily tough schedule. Everyone was worried about the schedule going into this year, but I think 2019 may be tougher.
Army is always tough. @Wisconsin and @PSU will be tough, though I think Wisconsin won't quite be back at the levels we're used to, and PSU has likely already passed its peak under Franklin.
Add in ND, MSU, and OSU, and nearly half of the schedule looks like a tossup right now.
Edit: and I didn't even catch Iowa. Damn, 2019, you scary.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:22 AM ^
9-3 We do beat MSU again.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:46 AM ^
Genuinely curious who you think our other 2 losses are to, assuming you have us losing to OSU? Maybe I'm just being overly optimistic as always..but if we find another solid RB, with all the other starters coming back, year 2 of Warinner, our offense could potentially be the best we've seen under Harbaugh. The defense could take a step back, but with all the talent we still have, and are bringing in, plus excellent coaching...I don't see that being a major weak spot. We also bring back solid kickers/punter. It seems like every year we have at least one game where we crumble and lose a game we should win, and with Army, Wisconsin, Penn State, ND, Iowa on the schedule, (leaving off MSU since you predict W). 9-3 would be a terrible let down after trajectory is heading back up from this year (minus the OSU meltdown).
December 12th, 2018 at 10:26 PM ^
You are trolling us as a Michigan fan. I am not taking that bait.
Go Blue!
BTW, 11-1 is my prediction with a win over OSU.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:23 AM ^
9-3.
Losses to Wisconsin, PSU and OSU.
BONUS: We'll lose a defensive lineman for the season in the Army game due to a blown out knee from a cut block.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:29 AM ^
We will not lose to PSU in 2019. McSorley gone and their defense is NOT GOOD.
Go Blue!
December 12th, 2018 at 9:53 AM ^
Don’t forget Frames is still the coach.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:23 AM ^
I expect the 2019 team to be better than the 2018 team-including the defense...it's all about the trenches-from the middle out. The offensive skill positions will continue to ascend. "We" always worry about the secondary...it always turns out better than expected. Every game is truly winnable. Two losses should be the floor...running the table is a real possibility.
Still recovering from Daxton. Very excited about the possibilities of how the 2019 recruiting class finishes.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:29 AM ^
Next years DEs are a bit of an unknown. Have to assume they’ll be fine, because Paye and Hutchinson were decent this year, but man I would’ve liked to see more natural pass rush from Paye.
Don’t know if Uche moves down. Don’t know how college-ready Harrison can be by fall if we land him.
I think the ceiling for our DE play is as high as ever, but the floor is significantly lower than this year.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:46 AM ^
The floor being lower is a very pessimistic view. These are teenagers who grow and improve significantly in a year. Winovich, Gary and Bush are certainly significant losses. However, the kids coming in behind them are dynamic players in their own right. And there could well be red shirt or even true freshmen who blow up out of "nowhere". It will simply be different...this will be a very talented roster...plenty of reason for high expectations.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:50 AM ^
I think this is the first time I’ve been called a pessimist re: Michigan football lol
December 12th, 2018 at 8:54 AM ^
Yes I thought the same thing. Your 12-0 prediction did not include us winning the Heisman and it did not mention we would shut out every team along the way.
I, on the other hand, get so tired of being called "Mr Rosy Colored Glasses" around here.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:02 AM ^
In fairness to me, I’ve only predicted 11-0 before OSU, this year and next. So, maybe I’m the problem.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:57 AM ^
The floor is lower because you knew pretty much what you were going to get with Gary, Winovich, and Mone since they have played significant snaps for Michigan. We have no way of knowing how some of the young guys will look once they get scouted by opposing teams and have to play significantly more snaps.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:25 AM ^
I am simply saying that a "significantly lower floor" is more a manufacturing of our mind (guarding against further disappointment) than a historical reality would support...and yes the source surprises me :) The fact remains that this is a very talented roster that continues to ascend and, while there are a boatload of "unknowns", the odds of significant improvement and contributions from that boat far outweighs the possibility of regression.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:53 AM ^
That was my thought as well sir. Even if the floor isn't lower we can't expect the consistency we've had the last two years. I hope we get it, but I doubt it.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:24 AM ^
I'm so sad to be at this point but I honestly care very little about football right now. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to bitch about the thread, I'm just a little bit surprised at myself and how few foxes I give and the season isn't even over yet.
It's not supposed to be this way...
December 12th, 2018 at 8:24 AM ^
We're not losing to Wisconsin or Penn state.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:24 AM ^
Winning AT Indiana the week before OSU is always a tall order.
Also, we will never beat OSU again. So 3 losses, maybe 4?
9-3 is my prediction as it is every year in the history of my life.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:26 AM ^
We haven't lost to Indiana since 6 presidents ago.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:32 AM ^
I'm not sure what that has to do with me saying it is always a tough game.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:58 AM ^
Technically, you said it’s a tall order.
But we’ve won 23 in a row in the series, including the last 10 by an average of 14.3 points per game and the last 5 by an average of 11.8 points per game. Only twice in the last 5 meetings were the games decided by single digits, both 7 point Michigan wins.
Beating Indiana hasn’t been a tall order. They put up more of a fight than what was expected of them, but aside from an OT game there was never really a point where it felt like Indiana would win a game
December 12th, 2018 at 10:27 AM ^
Apparently reading is a tall order.
AT Indiana games the week before the OSU game.
Again... AT Indiana the week before the OSU game.
One more time for clarity... AT BLOOMINGTON INDIANA the week before the OSU game.
I hope I've helped you out there. I've done the very best I can do to help your brain function normally. Good luck to you in your life, sir. May the wind always be at your back and so forth...
December 12th, 2018 at 8:34 AM ^
I can honestly say I have never anticipated a loss before watching a M game. 15-0
December 12th, 2018 at 10:04 AM ^
Did you actually believe we were going to beat USC in the Rose Bowls after the 2003 and 2006 seasons?
December 12th, 2018 at 8:41 AM ^
Most Likely Wins:
MTSU, ARMY, RUTGERS, at ILLINOIS, at MARYLAND, at INDIANA (6-0)
Tough Games Trending Towards Wins:
IOWA, at PSU, MSU (3-0)
Toss Ups:
at WISCONSIN, NOTRE DAME, (1-1)
Loss:
OSU (0-1)
I think you can make a case that PSU despite recruiting is backsliding solidly overall. MSU is always gonna be a tough out but I don't see anything happening for them on offense next year. Wisconsin will be better/healthier next year but that's only a toss up for me because it's on the road. No idea what ND's team will look like next year. Assuming OSU is a loss until we prove it otherwise in perpetuity. 10-2.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:56 AM ^
Like the analysis I think that is fair. I glanced at 2019 prospective depth charts for ND/US/PSU and it's hard to know what to make of them yet or what the new guys will look like. It wouldn't surprise me if either of UW or PSU was 7-5 or as good as 10-2.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:46 AM ^
I'd guess a 10-2 floor.
OSU is a must win or else UM is never getting over that hump. Michigan can turn a lot around with a win and just one is all it will take. But if first year Ryan Day goes into Michigan and wins then OSU will just continue to roll on. An OSU victory should be JH's singular goal for 2019.
MSU is a semi-must win as a victory will firmly put them under JH's foot. They will be up for the game because they "will never forget" Devin Bush stomping their logo.
@ PSU is going to be tough. I don't know how their roster is shaping up but it will certainly be a night game. Franklin is a hype man so they will be energized.
@ Wisconsin will be tough too but UM can get that one I believe.
The defense will probably take a step back but the offense should be poised to ramp up, if JH allows it. If not, I could maybe see 9-3.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:09 AM ^
You must be young. I'm sure OSU fans felt like they were never going to get a win in the 90's either. This years game has no bearing on next year's game. Every game is a weird, independent event seperate from the next.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:09 AM ^
You must be young. I'm sure OSU fans felt like they were never going to get a win in the 90's either. This years game has no bearing on next year's game. Every game is a weird, independent event seperate from the next.
December 12th, 2018 at 9:55 AM ^
PSU roster - they're shaping up to lose 6 players off of the 44 man 2-deep. One of them is McSorley, of course, and losing the QB is big. But most of the 2019 2-deep will be experienced and since PSU has recruited well they have raw talent.
Someone else made this point here earlier this autumn and it's a good one. The Michigan football trajectory and individual seasons from 2015-2017 is fairly similar to the same for PSU in 2016-2018. Doesn't mean that trend/analogy will continue of course. But I can sort of see it continuing, also.
Anyway, my point bringing those 2 things up: I do think PSU should be at least good in 2019. Michigan @ PSU should be a solid test and a non-gimme for both teams.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:48 AM ^
PSU QB (who?) going to shred us next year? Their RB? Not sure he's at Barkley level yet and Barkley had help at QB. I know it's at PSU (probably at night) but not going to be nearly the same team as the one we played in 2017.
Wisconsin going to have the same line next year that they did this year? This one was touted as being All-American but didn't play like an elite line. Hornibrook not going to beat you, RB is good but without that line and a QB that can take the top off (plus WRs getting separation) they'll be forced to play in a box. A box Michigan is faster and more talented in.
My hope is with the talent and the number of years in the system that Michigan has gotten over the hump of beating teams at their level and we rise up to take the next piece left. Prior to this season people were wondering if we could get by PSU and MSU and finish higher than 3rd/4th in the division. We did. Next level is OSU and that's where our focus should be. If we prepare and play as if it were to beat OSU each week, every other team should take care of itself.
December 12th, 2018 at 8:54 AM ^
Jokes on you were going 12-0!