It Is The Gator Bowl Comment Count

Brian

chris-relf-ladarius-perkins-mississippi-statejpg-f19be4d5410d46ee_large

Y'all ready for this? oonts oonts oonts oonts

So you know this already because I'm slightly late because I thought they'd embargo the news until the "Bowl Selection Specials" about to drop on the teevees, but Michigan is going to play Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. Press release:

Football to Face #21 Mississippi State in 2011 Gator Bowl on New Year’s Day

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The University of Michigan football program will participate in the 40th bowl game in program history, facing No. 21 Mississippi State University in the 2011 Gator Bowl played at EverBank Field on New Year’s Day 2011. The game will kick off at 1:30 p.m. EST and will be nationally-televised by ESPN2.

“We are excited about representing the Big Ten Conference in the Gator Bowl,” said Athletic Director Dave Brandon. “Our players, coaches and football support staff have worked hard all season and this is a great reward for them. We have great alumni and fan support in the Sunshine State and I anticipate a large Michigan contingent in Jacksonville.”

This will be the third time that Michigan has played in the Gator Bowl. The Wolverines’ initial appearance came on Dec. 28, 1976, a 17-15 loss to North Carolina. Michigan evened its Gator Bowl mark with a dominating 35-3 victory over Mississippi on Jan. 1, 1991.

The Wolverines (7-5, 3-5 Big Ten) will face the Bulldogs (8-4, 4-4 SEC) for the first time. This will be the 30th time that Michigan faces a SEC school (23-5-1 record all-time), with the Wolverines compiling a 7-3 mark against the conference in bowl games.

This is the first year of a four-year agreement between the Big Ten, SEC and the Gator Bowl. Visit www.gatorbowl.com for more information on the 2011 Gator Bowl.

The Wolverines have compiled a 19-20 record in bowl games and will be looking to even their mark with a victory in the Gator Bowl.

Ticket Information: The U-M Athletic Ticket Office will begin selling tickets to the 2011 Gator Bowl on Monday, Dec. 6, at 8:30 a.m. EST. Tickets range from $60 to $125, and will be assigned based on the Victors Club priority point program. Fans can purchase tickets online at MGoBlue.com/tickets or by calling the ticket office at 866-296-MTIX or 734-764-0247.

Alumni Tour: The Alumni Association is taking reservations for the official University of Michigan Bowl tour at 877-513-2320 or http://www.michigansportstours.com. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TOUR WILL INCLUDE GAME TICKETS. You can also find information about the U-M bowl pep rally featuring the team, marching band and cheerleaders and a pre-game tailgate at www.umalumni.com or by calling 800-847-4764.

Comments from Michigan Head Coach Rich Rodriguez

About playing in the Gator Bowl … “We are excited about the opportunity to play a very good Mississippi State team in the Gator Bowl. They run a first-class operation and our players will really enjoy the experience. I’ve always enjoyed my previous experiences at the Gator Bowl.”

About playing Mississippi State … “Mississippi State is a great team and has been consistently ranked among the top 25 this season. Dan Mullen and his staff have done an outstanding job. It should be a great matchup and we look forward to playing them on New Year’s Day.”

About his past trips to the Gator Bowl … “I have been fortunate to have coached in several Gator Bowls and I also played in it. They do a great job of hosting the teams and making the bowl experience a memorable one for the players. I look forward to seeing many of the Gator Bowl representatives who have become friends over the years.”

So instead of Florida's dysfunctional offense and loads of talent Michigan gets the offensive braintrust behind the Gators' most recent run and… not so much talent. As far as matchups go, I actually watched that 10-7 MSU win over Florida earlier in the year, and in that game the number of passing attempts the Bulldogs put up in the second half was either zero or one. I can't remember exactly. They're 91st in pass offense but decent in efficiency because they have a run-pass breakdown nearing Pat White WVU territory—with 561 runs against just 265 passes, MSU runs 68% of the time.

Starting quarterback Chris Relf had to fend off a challenge from Tyler Russell early in the year; Relf is a dual threat sort, Russell a pocket passer. Relf's MSU's second leading rusher with almost 700 yards. Vick Ballard and LaDarius Perkins are both over 500 yards as well, with Ballard the clear preference near the goal line with 16 touchdowns. They run an offense similar to Illinois, with a lot of triple option. The rush offense is 16th nationally but only averaging 4.6 YPC—not bad, but not awesome.

An extremely rush-oriented team with a somewhat erratic quarterback is as close to a "good" matchup as Michigan's broken defense will get. So we've got that going for us.

Their defense is good against the run—they're giving up just 3.5 YPC—but not so good against the pass, at least in terms of yardage. They're 89th in yardage but 50th in efficiency.

As far as their season went, they were 8-4 but their best nonconference game was against 5-7 CUSA team Houston and they narrowly escaped from their game against UAB by kicking a couple of fourth quarter field goals to win by five. In the SEC they missed Vandy, South Carolina, and Tennessee but went up against the loaded west. Games against LSU and Alabama did not go well but they were the only team to hold Auburn under a billion points in a 17-14 loss; they also took Arkansas to double overtime.

FEI has them 33rd, with Michigan 47th. S&P, which tends to favor explosive plays, has Michigan 30th and Mississippi State 35th. By the numbers it's an even matchup. More tomorrow.

Comments

Clarence Beeks

December 6th, 2010 at 10:11 AM ^

Welcome aboard!  I would agree with your assessment, except that I think you're selling yourself short with the Auburn game.  I agree that Auburn didn't realize what they had in Newton yet (or at least hadn't unveiled it yet), but you guys played a great game, I thought.  If Berry hadn't dropped that pass it would have most likely have been an overtime game, and really, who knows what would have happened there.  It's a shame that Bumphis and Berry aren't going to be able to play in the Gator Bowl.  Those two, and Relf, are fun players to watch.

Michigan4Life

December 5th, 2010 at 10:00 PM ^

Mississippi State as an easy win for Michigan.

They lost to Auburn by 3, beat Florida(albiet a down year for Florida), took Arkansas into double overtimes.  All of their losses were against top 15 teams.  Theyre ranked #21 in the BCS.

TennBlue

December 5th, 2010 at 10:04 PM ^

but they're a beatable team in what should be a very close and entertaining game.  I think we match up very well with them and the Gator Bowl folks did a good job matching us up. 

I know better than to treat our opponents with disdain.  If we come out flat, they'll kick our asses.  If we come out hot, we're going to be tough to catch.

ESNY

December 6th, 2010 at 9:50 AM ^

Sure all their losses were against top 20 teams but why does that matter?  Cause they play tough teams they couldn't beat?   The bigger question is who did they beat?   Not one ranked team (except for Florida and I dont care that they were ranked when they lost to them, cause Florida was ridiculously overrated and shouldn't have been ranked by the time of their game)

34Hybrid

December 5th, 2010 at 10:01 PM ^

for Michigan and RR. I know MSU is a very good ball club, but their strength is running the ball and our weakness is pass defense so maybe this defense can look improved. will have to wait and see.

Go Blue!!

mwburner26

December 6th, 2010 at 3:15 AM ^

WIS is one of the best if not the best running offenses in the nation and Im going to bet that their OL isn't as good as WIS either. Not saying that we're great against the run, but I will agree that playing a team with a QB who isn't known for his passing abilities is definitely a good thing. This is RR's last chance at keeping his Team so I would imagine we're going to see everything he's got. Here hoping we get the win!!

TennBlue

December 5th, 2010 at 10:14 PM ^

We're always open to good folks from other fanbases.  Miss State has been one of my favorite SEC programs.  I live in Tennessee, but care not for UT or much of the rest of the SEC, having been raised in Michigan.  So I'm looking forward to playing you guys, for good football reasons not any malice.

joeburner82

December 6th, 2010 at 1:27 AM ^

Coach Rod is gonna do whatever it takes to pull this game out, but I'm afraid it's not gonna be enough.  The defense and special teams will not magically get better by Jan 1st.  Michigan will move the ball between the 20's like they do against every team and rack up meaningless stats, but they will fail to score points consistently when they enter the redzone.  It is a big play or bust offense when you struggle to convert 3rd & long and when the kicking game is worse than quality high school teams.  Any football fan with common sense knows that the 2010 Michigan Wolverines play a brand of football that beats itself in all three phases of the game.  Therefore, they can't beat quality opponents.  Denard is a warrior, but he will not be able to do it alone. 

Mississippi State 45-28

Blue Bunny Friday

December 6th, 2010 at 2:23 AM ^

How about this one?

Soccer sucks! We all know it is is impossible to watch. Although, there is a sport that is worse than soccer. It is called Lacrosse. I would rather watch the Ohio State football team progress through spring drills than think about lacrosse...that is how much lacrosse sucks!

Posted in the Lacrosse preview... proving that you either drink too much, or you're a troll, Troll.

joeburner82

December 6th, 2010 at 9:50 AM ^

I'm glad you took the time to find something I wrote months ago. You must really take yourself seriously. It seems that you made it a point to attack me because I think Michigan will struggle in the bowl game. However, you have not made a valid comment from an x's and o's standpoint on why Michigan will be competitive in the bowl game. Football games are not won through blind faith. Michigan has been awful under Rich Rodriguez for 3 seasons against quality opponents, it is not going to suddenly change in the next 3 weeks.

Colt McBaby Jesus

December 6th, 2010 at 12:08 PM ^

Luckily they won't have to get better with magic. They will do it through having a month to heal and 15 practices. For a defense as young as ours, practices help them improve. Seems strange, and the concept may be a little over your head, but it really works!

MADDAWG

December 6th, 2010 at 1:47 AM ^

I guess i am probably the only MSU fan on this site, how I got here........you got me! I'm really looking forward to playing you guys this coming New Year's day. If you're coming to the game you'll love Jacksonville, it's a great place to live. The weather should be nice.  I'm from Mississippi, but moved here in '97. Don't count the dawgs out when it comes to throwing the ball beacuse Relf is really pretty good when he has to be, but when you have a ground game like we do, why risk it? Running is our bread and butter that  wears out the defense and we have an offensive line that can protect our quarter back when he does need to pass. If there isn't a receiver open, look out for Relf to run it. I know you guys haven't had a very productive year, but I think this could be a really good game, but bring your earplugs 'cause the cowbells will be a ringin'. Here's to a good game Michigan!!

StarkTruth

December 6th, 2010 at 3:14 AM ^

Hey, another 'Dawg fan here.  Ukrainedog pretty much covered it.  It will depend on which team shows up as to how good a game the maroon and white make it.  Lot of momentum closing out the season, but nearly let the last team on the schedule snatch that one away.  Our defense focuses on containment in the red zone, the rest of the secondary is pretty soft, especially along the sidelines.  Relf's passing has been improving throughout the season, run is the vehicle of choice though.  Fastest man on the field is Ladarius Perkins, Vic Ballard is a horse coming out of the backfield, too.   Your U of M has always been viewed as a powerhouse, whereas our U of M is more of a party house (sorry, had to put that in).  Expecting a good game in JAX and will be there to see it.  Looking forward to seeing the Michigan marching band live, too.  Don't know a lot about Michigan football this year, but I hope both teams play all out and make it interesting.  I'm hoping MSU 28 UM 24 in OT , but the score could just as easily be reversed.

And try not to judge those rebel/bear whiners on the blogs down this way too harshly, 2010 has been very traumatic for them as evidenced by the first tackle in this game:

http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/SECVIDEO/TabId/468/VideoId/9770/Mississippi-State-Vs-Ole-Miss-Nov-27-2010-Full-Game.aspx

(;-p) 

mwburner26

December 6th, 2010 at 4:18 AM ^

If your defense isn't great than you re going to have to push those scores up a little bit. You guys will definitely score against us but we will do like wise. Its going to be a shoot out baby!! Can you say "Denard at 100%" because I can, no but seriously, should be a pretty good game.

VinnieMac25

December 6th, 2010 at 7:38 AM ^

Cameron Newton, and another dual threat in Jeremiah Masoli.

Cam went 11 for 19 passing and 136yds, 1 INT, 2 TDS, 18 rushes for 70 yds

Auburn gained a total of 348 yards.

Jeremiah went 24 for 44 passing and 261yds, 1INT, 1TD 11 rushes for 12yds

Ole Miss gained a total of 326 yards.

LBS seem to always make plays for them: Chris White, KJ Wright

Chris has 6 sacks to lead the team, and KJ is second with 3.

Chris leads the team in tackles (105) TFL (15.5) again leads team.

KJ second in tackles (93) TFL (7) fourth on team, behind their DL - Pernell Mcphee and Josh Boyd second and third respectively.

Freshmen DB Nickoe Whitley is tied for the lead in INT with 3 with Sophmore

DB Corey Broomfield.

They did suffer a big loss to one of key players in Chad Bumphis who broke his clavicle bone in their last game vs Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl.

Look for MSU to run, and run some more.  With Michigan having 15 practices to prepare for this bowl game, I cant wait to see how IMPROVED our defense will be.  Oh and we have DENARD.  What a great way to ring in 2011 with a win.  Go Blue.



 

ToDefyTheFrizzleFry

December 6th, 2010 at 9:34 AM ^

Not an easy game for Michigan, but a winnable one. If the offense reduces their turnovers and finish drives then we have a good shot at winning. Hopefully 15 practices will prepare us well for an 8th win. 

As far as Miss State goes, there D is tough just like any other SEC school. As mentioned they played in the best division in college football this year and took two (legitimate) BCS teams down to the wire. A healthy Martin will go a along way in slowing their running attack. Getting pressure on Relf to force throwing errors will be a key to the game. 

Either way I'm glad we're back at a NYD bowl, and I'm going! Go Blue!

RoxyMtnHiM

December 6th, 2010 at 9:42 AM ^

I was at the '91 game when Desmond announced his Heisman candidacy by shredding Ole Miss. Did he return two kicks for scores? It was awesome, particularly because Ole Miss fans outnumbered Michigan fans about 5-to-1 and all you heard at events the day before the game was how Ole Miss was going to embarrass those fat, slow Midwesterners. As much as I love beating OSU (as near as I can remember), it's always sweet to beat an SEC team that just assumes its superiority and can't believe it's happening.

On the other hand, Jacksonville was miserable that weekend. Cold and wet. Weatherwise, the most miserable time I've ever had at a bowl. (Oops, check that: I sat in the upper deck of Legion Field for the Mich State-Ga Tech All-American Bowl in Birmingham, Ala., in... '83? '84? That was colder and wetter.)

jamiemac

December 6th, 2010 at 11:24 AM ^

I called the Gator Bowl as the postseason destination back in spring in the HTTV roundtable

Does this mean I own MGoBlog now?

The last 2 times MICH played in the Gator Bowl, they followed it the next year with a Rose Bowl berth and B10 Championship in 1980 and 1991

Book it, people. Book it.

markusr2007

December 6th, 2010 at 12:22 PM ^

MSU's - Nick Bell with cancer

UM's - The Mealer family story

Should be a nice matchup on the fileld.  Mullen was a great OC at Florida.  Bulldogs run the spread option too, but they are no where near as explosive as Michigan right now.