Honest Answers: Fact or Fiction?

Submitted by Mr. Yost on

Please respond to the statements below on whether you think they are FACT...or FICTION.

  1. Michigan will have a 2,500 yard passer this season
  2. A Michigan RB will rush for more than 1,000 yards this season
  3. A Michigan WR will catch for more than 1,000 yards this season
  4. Jabrill Peppers will have at least 25 snaps on offense this season
  5. Michigan will have a 1st Team All-B1G offensive lineman
  6. Michigan will finish in the top 2 in the B1G in Team Defense
  7. Taco Charlton will have more sacks than Frank Clark had in 2014 (4.5)
  8. Joe Bolden will lead the B1G in tackles
  9. Jabrill Peppers will be named to the All-American Team (1st, 2nd or 3rd team)
  10. Michigan will play in a New Year's Day (or better) bowl game

DrMantisToboggan

August 22nd, 2015 at 2:54 PM ^

Fact

Fact

Fiction

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fiction

Fiction

Fact (although I would expand to NYE or better, since they play some prominent games on NYE now as part of the New Years 6)

go16blue

August 22nd, 2015 at 2:56 PM ^

1. FACT. Has Harbaugh ever not had this?
2. FICTION. I just don't see enough separation for this to happen. Possible, though.
3. FICTION. I'm not sold on our WRs. I see most of the passing game moving through Butt (hah).
4. FICTION. I can see 10, but 25 would surprise me. Look for them to debut this vs MSU.
5. FACT. OL accolades are all about hype and I think with an improved running game we'll have that. Couldn't say who though.
6. FACT. With what figures to be a somewhat slow offense, I can definitely see this.
7. FICTION. I'll hold off before predicting over 4 sacks for any one player save maybe Jebril.
8. FICTION. He's still somewhat unproven, and we'll be rotating a lot.
9. FACT. 2nd or 3rd. He'll have a good year, and he has the name for it.
10. FACT. Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.

stephenrjking

August 22nd, 2015 at 7:13 PM ^

I doubt Harbaugh got much production out of his 4-8 Stanford team in 07. And while he had Luck, when his offense was grinding opponents he kept Luck under wraps, limiting production where allowed in the game plan. If he does that with a future HOF QB that he loves, he can do it with a couple of guys he's not sure about.




Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

funkywolve

August 22nd, 2015 at 7:33 PM ^

As a  freshman he might have kept Luck under wraps.  In 2009 Luck had 162 completions on 288 attempts for 2575 ys, 13 TD's and 4 ints.

Luck's sophomore year was something we haven't seen around Ann Arbor in a long time.  372 attempts with 263 completions for 3338 yds, 32 TD's and 8 ints.  I think most of us would be doing cartwheels if Harbaugh kept the UM QB under wraps and he had a year like Luck did in 2010.

stephenrjking

August 22nd, 2015 at 7:57 PM ^

That's a good question. Obviously, I would love a season like that. But let's keep the larger picture in view here. Harbaugh, a solid offensive guy, had at his disposal a player that most believed (correctly) would be taken #1 overall in the NFL Draft. And in a conference known for offensive fireworks, in an age where top QBs routinely break 4000 and even graze 5000 yards, Stanford averaged 258 ypg in the air. Good, yes, but not mind blowing.

I watched them a fair amount that season. Luck, of course, could air it out quite well. But Harbaugh was also perfectly content to pulverize opponents on the ground, and games like the PAC opener against UCLA and a mid-season tryst against Wazzoo saw Luck pass for less than 200 yards each. Watching Stanford to see what Luck was all about involved a lot of waiting for long-yardage situations, since they were quite capable of running between the tackles on every play. Stanford averaged just under 30 passes a game, while running it more than 41 times a game.

With a HOF-level talent at QB. And it wasn't wrong, as evidenced by their record.

Players of that caliber usually command a more centralized role in college offenses. Point being, if Harbaugh was that conservative with a once-in-a-generation talent, we can expect far more reserve with this year's roster.

funkywolve

August 22nd, 2015 at 9:32 PM ^

Stanford was blowing just about everyone out.  Here's the scores:

Stanford 52 Sac St 17 (38-7 at the half)

Stanford 35 UCLA 0 (28-0 heading into the 4th)

Stanford 68 Wake Forest 24 (41-10 at the half)

Stanford 37 ND 14 (tight game heading into the 4th)

Stanford 31 Oregon 52

Stanford 37 USC 35

Stanford 38 WSU 28 (31-7 heading into the 4th)

Stanford 41 Washington 0 (led 28-0 at the half)

Stanford 42 Arizona 17 (lead 35-10 heading into the 4th)

Stanford 17 Arizona St 13

Stanford 48 Cal 14 (led 31-0 at the half)

Stanford 38 Oregon St 0 (lead 31-0 heading into the 4th)

Stanford 40 VaTech 12

 

When you're blowing out 50% of your opponents and the games over heading into the 4th quarter, if not at halftime, why would you continue to put your once in a lifetime talent at risk by asking him to throw the ball alot?  Should he have had Luck throwing the ball more in the second half and 4th quarters of those blow outs?

Harbaugh is cut from the Bo mold.  He's going to have a balanced offense but once he gets a lead he's going to demoralize you by pounding the ball down your throat with the running the game.

 

stephenrjking

August 23rd, 2015 at 1:39 AM ^

In 2008, not exactly the dark ages, Oklahoma was blowing everyone out. Bloodlettings. And they had guys like Demarco Murray in the backfield.

Sam Bradford threw for over 4800 yards.

In 2010, Jim Harbaugh used Andrew Luck less than Lloyd Carr used John Navarre in 2003 with a Doak Walker winner behind him (similar yardage FWIW).

I can understand someone inferring from my somewhat awkwardly worded "under wraps" comment that I was implying a Neolithically reactionary offensive strategy, which is not the case. But it is clear from the stats and results that Harbaugh did not unleash his protege's talent in the aggressive fashion found in programs run by other offense-oriented coaches.

And, to me, the implications of that truth on Michigan's decidedly unimpressive quarterback stable are clear.

Wonk

August 22nd, 2015 at 2:59 PM ^

  1. FACT - Probably right on the nose with that prediction
  2. FICTION - I doubt any one person is going to get more than a plurality of carries.
  3. FICTION - The passing game will be too spread out to cover this. Plus they'll work the underneath stuff a bunch, I'd imagine
  4. FACT - that's about 2 snaps per game. I can't imagine they'll keep him on the bench if he is what we think he is.
  5. FICTION - But it'll be close. Cole and/or Kalis will be 2nd team.
  6. FACT - I think it'll be MSU/UM
  7. FICTION - I think there'll be a lot of rotation at pass rush positions
  8. FICTION - Gedeon replaces Boldon for a majority of snaps during the B1G season
  9. FACT - Sure, why not
  10. FACT - 8 wins should secure a spot for some noon-time NYD action

Rodriguesqe

August 22nd, 2015 at 3:08 PM ^

  1. Michigan will have a 2,500 yard passer this season

Fiction - I think Rudock will lose the job at some point in the season.

  1. A Michigan RB will rush for more than 1,000 yards this season

Fiction - we'll use too much depth.

  1. A Michigan WR will catch for more than 1,000 yards this season

Fiction - not even close

  1. Jabrill Peppers will have at least 25 snaps on offense this season

Fiction - thats just 2 snaps a game, but I think we'd let him settle in before giving him a chance on O.

  1. Michigan will have a 1st Team All-B1G offensive lineman

Fiction.

  1. Michigan will finish in the top 2 in the B1G in Team Defense

Fact - might not be just B1G, either. I'm hoping for top 5 in the country. 

  1. Taco Charlton will have more sacks than Frank Clark had in 2014 (4.5)

Fact - I'm very high on the back seven, sacks should be available. Love Taco's potential.

  1. Joe Bolden will lead the B1G in tackles

Fiction - too many 3 and outs.

  1. Jabrill Peppers will be named to the All-American Team (1st, 2nd or 3rd team)

Fact

  1. Michigan will play in a New Year's Day (or better) bowl game

Fact - though I didn't look it up to see if this means playoffs or just a respectable bowl. I think 9-3 or 10 -2 are most likely.

harmon40

August 22nd, 2015 at 3:10 PM ^

b/c I'm on iPhone, can't go back and forth.



No to 2,500 passing yards or 1,000 yd receiver...but we'll be efficient and make fewer mistakes. With quality RB's and (I believe) OL but unproven skill players we will pass mostly off play action



Yes to 1,000 yd RB. I think Isaac will start and star.



Yes to 25 offensive snaps for Peppers. They won't debut that against MSU. They will show it vs lesser teams, make Dantonio prep for it, then put some kind of twist on it for MSU.



Yes to Peppers all-American.



Yes to at least one all-B10 OL. They are mostly upperclassmen now. No more putting up our JV vs everybody else's varsity.



Yes to NYD bowl game. We are poised to surprise.



One fact that you didn't ask about: Michigan will upset MSU or OSU this season. I think it will be OSU. As tall a task as it is, I think Peppers' run support will be the difference.

UMgradMSUdad

August 22nd, 2015 at 3:13 PM ^

All false except 7 & 10.  And if you want honesty, I think we could all agree that if no. 10 ends up being true, we really wouldn't care so much about any of the others.

robbyt003

August 22nd, 2015 at 3:15 PM ^

  1. Michigan will have a 2,500 yard passer this season  FICTION
  2. A Michigan RB will rush for more than 1,000 yards this season FACT
  3. A Michigan WR will catch for more than 1,000 yards this season FICTION
  4. Jabrill Peppers will have at least 25 snaps on offense this season FICTION
  5. Michigan will have a 1st Team All-B1G offensive lineman FICTION
  6. Michigan will finish in the top 2 in the B1G in Team Defense FACT
  7. Taco Charlton will have more sacks than Frank Clark had in 2014 (4.5) FICTION
  8. Joe Bolden will lead the B1G in tackles FICTION
  9. Jabrill Peppers will be named to the All-American Team (1st, 2nd or 3rd team) FICTION
  10. Michigan will play in a New Year's Day (or better) bowl game FACT

PurpleStuff

August 22nd, 2015 at 3:18 PM ^

1.  Fiction.  Rudock never hit that mark at UI and I think both QB will probably play whether via competition or injury

2.  Fiction.  Even if the running game is good I think carries will be split too much to reach 1,000 yards.

3.  Fiction.  Nobody that good, and even if the passing game is successful the ball will be spread around too much.  Harbaugh never had a 1,000 yard receiver at Stanford and they haven't had one since he left either.

4.  Fact.  Not a lot of snaps and I think at least by mid-year we'll be looking for a spark from him.

5.  Fiction.  Cole is probably the best guy and it is hard to get there as a true sophomore and as a LT even if you are that good.  If someone gets it I could see Glasgow at center.

6.  Fact.  Not sure we'll be top-2 in quality, but we'll play in more tight, low scoring games than OSU or MSU.  Look for us and PSU to finish 1-2.

7.  Fact.  Taco had 3.5 last year and he should get more PT this year.

8.  Fiction.  Morgan and the reemergence of Ross will cut into his tackle numbers too much.

9.  Fact.  AA teams are slightly based on hype, and Peppers has it.  He'll be the subject of discussion whenever the D takes the field and if he plays well he'll get votes.  Making a play or ten in the return game will only help.

10.  Hope so.

 

Ryanonymous

August 22nd, 2015 at 3:20 PM ^

Michigan will have a 2,500 yard passer this season - FACT



A Michigan RB will rush for more than 1,000 yards this season. - FICTION



A Michigan WR will catch for more than 1,000 yards this season - FACT



Jabrill Peppers will have at least 25 snaps on offense this season - FACT



Michigan will have a 1st Team All-B1G offensive lineman

- FACT



Michigan will finish in the top 2 in the B1G in Team Defense - FACT





Taco Charlton will have more sacks than Frank Clark had in 2014 (4.5) - FACT



Joe Bolden will lead the B1G in tackles - FICTION



Jabrill Peppers will be named to the All-American Team (1st, 2nd or 3rd team) - FACT



Michigan will play in a New Year's Day (or better) bowl game - FACT

Victor Valiant

August 22nd, 2015 at 3:34 PM ^

  1. Michigan will have a 2,500 yard passer this season (Fiction)
  2. A Michigan RB will rush for more than 1,000 yards this season (Fact)
  3. A Michigan WR will catch for more than 1,000 yards this season (Fiction)
  4. Jabrill Peppers will have at least 25 snaps on offense this season (Fiction)
  5. Michigan will have a 1st Team All-B1G offensive lineman (Fact)
  6. Michigan will finish in the top 2 in the B1G in Team Defense (Fiction)
  7. Taco Charlton will have more sacks than Frank Clark had in 2014 (4.5) (Fiction)
  8. Joe Bolden will lead the B1G in tackles (Fiction)
  9. Jabrill Peppers will be named to the All-American Team (1st, 2nd or 3rd team) (Fiction)
  10. Michigan will play in a New Year's Day (or better) bowl game (Fiction)

EGD

August 22nd, 2015 at 3:42 PM ^

These are good questions, Yost.

The one I am going to call is the 1,000 yard rusher. I watched Ty Isaac's freshman year USC film and think he's legit. Explodes out of the backfield, squares his shoulders, and runs low and hard--even though he's 235 lbs. I also think the coaches will want him on the field for what he brings to the passing game. I say he goes for 1,000+. I'll eat some kind of citrus fruit if I'm wrong.

Gimmiedat87

August 22nd, 2015 at 3:49 PM ^

1)Fiction, as I think both Morris and Rudock will both see considerable time each won't get enough PT to get to 2,500 yards
2)Fiction , more of a by committee type deal
3)Fiction , QB and Oline are shaky at best and there isn't any obvious playmaker.
4)Fact
5)Fact, mason cole is my bet.
6)Fact
7)Fact all hail taco
8)Fact
9)Fact, assuming he stays healthy
10)Fact

MGoChippewa

August 22nd, 2015 at 4:22 PM ^

  1. Michigan will have a 2,500 yard passer this season: FICTION, but Rudock gets close
  2. A Michigan RB will rush for more than 1,000 yards this season: FACT, I think Derrick Green is going to be the workhorse 
  3. A Michigan WR will catch for more than 1,000 yards this season: FICTION, unfortunately, I just don't see it.  If anybody's going to do it, it'll be Darboh.
  4. Jabrill Peppers will have at least 25 snaps on offense this season: FACT, he's too good to keep off the field for half the game
  5. Michigan will have a 1st Team All-B1G offensive lineman: FICTION, probably next year though.  Wouldn't be surprised to see any of Cole, Kalis or Glasgow land 2nd team
  6. Michigan will finish in the top 2 in the B1G in Team Defense: FACT
  7. Taco Charlton will have more sacks than Frank Clark had in 2014 (4.5): PUSH?
  8. Joe Bolden will lead the B1G in tackles: FICTION
  9. Jabrill Peppers will be named to the All-American Team (1st, 2nd or 3rd team): FICTION
  10. Michigan will play in a New Year's Day (or better) bowl game: FACT, and if it's not going to be one of the big ones, it might as well be in Jacksonville so I can go

Avant's Hands

August 22nd, 2015 at 4:39 PM ^

Michigan will have a 2,500 yard passer this season

Fiction. I think Rudock and Morris will end up splitting duty more than we think.



A Michigan RB will rush for more than 1,000 yards this season

Fiction. But I do think that all three will have good numbers. Each will go over 600 yards.



A Michigan WR will catch for more than 1,000 yards this season

Fact. I really think Darboh could put up similar numbers to Avant in 05. Provided one of the younger guys slides into that freshman Manningham role, of course.



Jabrill Peppers will have at least 25 snaps on offense this season

Fact. Please, fact. Give me 50.



Michigan will have a 1st Team All-B1G offensive lineman

Fiction. I feel like OL goes by reputation as much as anything else and we don't have that yet.



Michigan will finish in the top 2 in the B1G in Team Defense

Fiction, sadly. Not because we won't be good, but I believe that OSU and MSU will be a step ahead of us. And I also think the West team du jour will have a great team defense since their offenses suck.



Taco Charlton will have more sacks than Frank Clark had in 2014 (4.5)

Fiction. I'll believe it when I see it from the DL



Joe Bolden will lead the B1G in tackles

Fiction. I have nothing to base this on, just seems unlikely with Morgan healthy and the sheer number of Linebackers to compete with.



Jabrill Peppers will be named to the All-American Team (1st, 2nd or 3rd team)

Fiction. But if he is still eligible for the freshman team I say he makes it there.



Michigan will play in a New Year's Day (or better) bowl game

Honestly can't remember which bowl games are when now. I could see the Citrus/Outback Bowl toss up for us. Those are still New Years right?

Danwillhor

August 22nd, 2015 at 6:03 PM ^

the rest are false (IMO/guess obviously). I don't think we'll have a 2500 yard passer, 1000 rusher, any AA players, a 1st team all B1G OL or play in a New Years bowl. I think many (maybe all) of the false will be close to true but not quite. Cole may be a 2nd team All-B1G OL, for instance. A QB will throw for yards but I don't think we'll be prolific enough to throw for 2500 but we'll be close. In fact, I'm actually accounting for injury more than anything there b/c if one goes down neither are hitting 2500. Too many shared carries for one to have 1000. Peppers will likely play like a very good B1G player but not AA caliber. POINT BEING: Many will be close to true but I'd only bet on 4 & 7 being true. Not a bad thing in every case as it needs context.

LDNfan

August 22nd, 2015 at 6:10 PM ^

  1. Michigan will have a 2,500 yard passer this season FACT
  2. A Michigan RB will rush for more than 1,000 yards this season FACT
  3. A Michigan WR will catch for more than 1,000 yards this season FICTION
  4. Jabrill Peppers will have at least 25 snaps on offense this season FACT
  5. Michigan will have a 1st Team All-B1G offensive lineman FACT
  6. Michigan will finish in the top 2 in the B1G in Team Defense FACT
  7. Taco Charlton will have more sacks than Frank Clark had in 2014 (4.5) FICTION
  8. Joe Bolden will lead the B1G in tackles FICTION
  9. Jabrill Peppers will be named to the All-American Team (1st, 2nd or 3rd team) FACT
  10. Michigan will play in a New Year's Day (or better) bowl game FACT

stephenrjking

August 22nd, 2015 at 7:07 PM ^

Yay procrastination fodder

1. Fiction, though I suppose if you count a productive bowl game that might tip the scales. But I don't see any QB for Michigan averaging 200 ypg passing. There will be a couple of games, yes, but this team is built for Lloyd/Tress ball if any team is. Low scoring games, lots of running, lots of defense. I believe it's far more likely that there are games where passing yardage barely cracks 100 than that there will be even one game where a QB cracks 300.

2. Fact, though I've gone back and forth on this. My initial thought was "fiction," but I think Michigan is going to be really good at running this year. While we have a lot of backs, I have to believe that one guy will emerge and break 1000, with at least one other guy over 600.

3. Fiction. Ha. Better chance that Brian and Dave Brandon will hold a joint peace meeting than this.

4. Fact. He'll break this easily, I think/hope. I'm excited to see it.

5. Fact. Sure, why not? If Michigan is rushing for 200+ per game (I think they will), this should follow.

6. Tough one, but I'll drink the koolaid and say fact. Cautiously optimistic that the D will be great this year. Of course, we have a couple of rivals who should be able to say the same thing, so...

7. I really don't know what to expect from Taco, but I'll just guess fact and hope.

8. Predicting a B1G tackling leader seems like a random throw of darts. Sure, Bolden could do it, but my guess is Fiction.

9. It's time for Peppers to shine. I could see this. But I could also see him being a great player this year and still getting overlooked, so I'll pick Fiction.

10. I'm drinking the Kool-aid NEW YEARS DAY HERE WE COME BABY GO BLUE ITS ON HEY SEC YOU THOUGHT OUR SATELLITE CAMPS WERE BAD WELL WAIT UNTIL WE SATELLITE TRUCK YOU INTO 2016 HARBAAAAUUUUUUUGGGHH




Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Mr. Yost

August 22nd, 2015 at 8:46 PM ^

 
 
  1. Fact - Rudock, but I have zero confidence
  2. Fiction - Committee
  3. Fiction - No one is good enough
  4. I hope!!
  5. Fiction, but we'll have a 2nd teamer
  6. Fact, because...why not?
  7. Fiction, but he'll have an impact
  8. Fiction, but he'll lead the team
  9. Fact, because...why not?
  10. Fact, because...why not?

Those were tougher than I thought when I made them up...pretty interested to read the answers.