2014 UM v OSU Matchup
After watching a hard fought close game I can’t help but think towards the future. I’m curious how the board thinks we matchup with OSU next year. We graduate our two offensive tackles who are likely replaced by Braden and Mags, and obviously our interior gets a year older. We lose Gallon and Fitz who seem likely replaced Darboh and Green. On defense we lose Washington and Black who are likely replaced Pipkins and Henry. And, we lose Gordon who is likely replaced by a combination of DBs like Thomas, Clark, and Peppers. I think I know what we’ve got with Michigan. I’m more curious about OSU.
They obviously lose Hyde who will likely be replaced by Smith I think. They lose Brown who will be replaced by Wilson as maybe a step up. They return Devin Smith and their TE, but they lose 4 offensive linemen. This is what I’m most interested in. Who starts for them next year on the offensive line and how will they fare? They are not quite as big as their predecessors. They will also be young and pretty similar in age to our line next year.
LT – Baldwin (Jr)
LG – Elfein (Fr)
C – Boren (So)
RG – Brown (So), O’Connor (RS Fr?)?
RT – Decker (So)
On defense they bring back the entire front 7 unless Shazier decides to enter the draft, which he may. Behind him on the depth chart is freshman, Trey Johnson. In the backfield they will lose Roby, Brown, and Barnett. They do have a lot of young talented DBs, but they don’t have much experience.
From what I can see this is a good chance to beat OSU in Columbus. They lose many of their playmakers on defense (especially if Shazier enters the draft). Granted they have a lot of young talent on the defensive line in Bosa, Spence, and Washington. And, of course they bring back Braxton Miller. But, without a proven running back and without a veteran offensive line, will Miller be as effective? How do you think our defensive line matches up against their offensive line?
December 1st, 2013 at 8:44 AM ^
takes more than being "due" my friend
Good coaching and good preparation
Urban Meyer has us on that for sure, easily
Here is to hoping though
December 1st, 2013 at 9:17 AM ^
How can you say Michigan was not well-coached and prepared for yesterday's game? I'd agree on poor coaching for much of this season, but not for what we saw yesterday.
December 1st, 2013 at 9:40 AM ^
Just another loss. The Game is in Columbus. Do you really think this bunch has what it takes to go into Columbus and win? Our line wil be worse. I don't know how you lose two senior tackles, one an all American and high first round draft choice, and think our line will be any better, If we get a better line coach it's possible this group will be functional by then. That still equals a loss.
Matter of fact looking at next years schedule, I see at least 4 losses. I am not even certain about a win at Rutgersl. Anything about Hoke's road record make you comfortable about that game? I want to see Hoke consistently beat average teams on the road before I would even consider thinking he can go on the road and actually beat a good team.
He's just a continuation of Lloyd Carr in the 2000's, who lost to ever slightly above average team he played on the road. I think of UCLA 2000 (23-20 Loss), Washington 2001 (23-18 Loss), Oregon 2003 (31-27 Loss). It's just the same crap, different year. It's like watching the same bad movie over and over again.
December 1st, 2013 at 11:18 AM ^
110% correct
December 1st, 2013 at 4:50 PM ^
How could our o-line get any worse? Have you read any of Gandolf's assessments on the o-line and how the experience and talent of the tackles is not nearly as important as that of the guards and center?
So, you don't think all the big recruiting classes we've had under Hoke will ever be good enough to beat good teams on the road? You think we are destined to lose 3-5 games every year forever? If you don't think the reason we struggle on the road is because of youth, the offensive line play, an in-experienced QB, or the other popular beliefs? What do you suppose is the reason...is it merely coaching for you?
Personally I think it's youth and talent. Most of our upperclassman aren't as talented and most of talent is inexperienced. Next year is the first year that Hoke's first full recruiting class (2012) will be upperclassman (juniors). This and a returning starting QB is why I think we take a step forward and win some road games against better teams, but that's just me.
December 1st, 2013 at 10:54 AM ^
But then, I remember Hoke's woeful road performances, and wonder if talking about winning in Columbus is only kidding myself.
December 1st, 2013 at 1:53 PM ^
Its a rivalry, I dont think OSU losing people is going to matter much. It will be at their place and the young guys they replace those spots with wont be true freshman or anything. Other than Hyde and Shazier and on the OL they dont lose a whole lot - Roby has been underperforming most of the year.
December 1st, 2013 at 4:52 PM ^
Other than Hyde, Shazier, Roby, and their o-line??? You just named one of the best RBs, LBs, CBs, and o-line units in the country. You don't think those will hurt?