jtmc33

September 9th, 2010 at 11:20 AM ^

True.  But on the other wet foot, if M. Floyd stays upright during his routes, it's our DBs that have to react on the wet grass.

Basically, in the WR/DB one-on-one game, the first who slips loses.  Howeva!  A zone defense can give the DBs a nice advantage in wet conditions.

Zone baby, zone!!!

icefins26

September 9th, 2010 at 10:34 AM ^

As a weather nerd, it really boils down to timing.  It's coming from the remnants of Hermine which is moving into Arkansas/Missouri today.  It really depends on 1.)  how much will still be in tact and 2.)  when it will actually arrive.  I've been hearing mixed things but a majority of the reports are saying "late", which could mean late afternoon or late in the evening.  It will most likely rain, yes, it just depends on when and how much.

Wolverine318

September 9th, 2010 at 10:36 AM ^

If it rains I guess we will see if our ball security has improved from last season. From all indications Denard has decent ball security. I don't know about Shaw or Smith though. 

mgokev

September 9th, 2010 at 10:42 AM ^

Supposedly it was ball security throughout the offseason that has Shaw and Smith seeing playing time.  I'm hoping that's the case.  Regardless, I don't think it will be as bad as the last time in South Bend.  Even if it does downpour, there's no way we have that many turnovers.  Right???

Srock

September 9th, 2010 at 10:41 AM ^

Here is the local South Bend NBC TV Station's weather: http://www.wndu.com/weather

They seem to think that rain will hit late Friday night and early Saturday - hoping to get it moved out of town before the game. So, it looks like warmups and tailgating might be wet. On a side note, I've never seen it rain harder and longer than it did 2 years ago in SB. I think it will be mostly dry.

Go Blue!

OHbornUMfan

September 9th, 2010 at 10:46 AM ^

After that, it becomes: how many times will the ball change hands, and through how much rain must it go to get to the exchange point?

QB iso - no other exchanges, no additional moisture accumulates on football.

Long pass to Floyd - ball must cover quite a bit of distance; flight of ball influenced by each raindrop. ball gets slicker with each accumulated drop of rain.

Advantage, us.

Route66

September 9th, 2010 at 10:56 AM ^

It will hurt us more in their passing game than them.  The receivers know where their cuts are going to be....our DB's do not.  Slick fields make for a slower reaction to the ball.  Just sayin.  I'm not happy about it, but either way we win. 

dieseljr32

September 9th, 2010 at 11:00 AM ^

If they purposely tear up the field that would be irrational because they have to play on the same field.  I don't think any amount of practicing would "help" a team on a crappy field. 

So much worrysome speculation about weather conditions and whatnot.

Let's enjoy the game!

Zone Left

September 9th, 2010 at 11:20 AM ^

With Kelly coaching, it's irrational. He wants to run a very high-paced spread that requires a lot of precision. Weis, on the other hand, probably would have loved to line upend slog away with the big line they had last season.

MGoGarbs

September 9th, 2010 at 11:05 AM ^

is that it will be harder to HOLD ON TO THE DAMN BALL. After last week's kick/punt return "issues", and Dileo's holding, this worries me.

Maybe RR will go for it on fourth when he's supposed to.

bigmc6000

September 9th, 2010 at 11:15 AM ^

Is there a rule and/or reason why RB's (at least from what I recall) don't wear some of those sleeves that have a tactile feel and would help give them a better grip on the ball in the rain?  Gloves are 1 thing but I'd think that if you had something on your forearms it would just help that much more.

Feel free to call me an idiot if people already do this or there's an obvious reason why it's a stupid idea.

Zone Left

September 9th, 2010 at 11:15 AM ^

Wet fields are typically more difficult for defenses and high-precision offenses. Both teams have defenses (kind of) and Michigan is probably more capable of running iso plays all game and being successful. That, and the thought of slowing Floyd down, makes me happy.

jmscher

September 9th, 2010 at 11:18 AM ^

The rain was pretty good to our offense in 2008, despite getting hamered we ended up out gaining ND if I remember.  So I say if we can HOLD ON T O THE DAMN BALL bring on the rain it will help our D.