If You're Worried About Let Down for BTCG, Read This

there is a lot to unpack with this photo. 

I think that game made me the maddest I've ever been as a Michigan fan.  Nothing since compares.  Maybe I was just a younger hothead in those days and years later and much BPONE, I'm much mellower.  

Short story: Many years ago when I was working in the advertising industry in Detroit, I had the chance to speak to a Rob Houghtlin on the phone. When I asked if he was "that" Rob Houghtlin, the kicker from Iowa, he replied that he was.

I replied, "Please don't take this personally, but I went to Michigan, so I hate your guts."

He laughed, and said he always enjoyed hearing that.

Nice guy, and obviously had a good sense of humor. But Mr. Houghtlin - it's payback time.

GO BLUE!

I was at that game and had a similar feeling.

That was similar to what Jon Jansen said on In the Trenches yesterday, that nearly by definition, a championship game is never "a trap game."

Agree with this line of thinking. Everything we've heard is that they have two goals - beat ohio state and win the conference. They're not done yet, and they know it. 

As for the rest (CFP), it will work itself out. 

The sentiment from either Iowa fans or the football members was relief that they didn't have to face ohio state. Little do they know, this Michigan team is hot and improving each week. They choose to pick their poison.

I think the point is that you can control what you can control - beating ohio state and winning the conference. There is no subjectivity there. 

If Michigan wins the conference, a trip to the playoffs is still ultimately in the hands of the CFP committee and is out of Michigan's hands. Granted, a 12-1 finish and BTCG victory would practically guarantee a berth, but it would be like if we were in Iowa's position where a BTC would not get them even a whiff of a CFP berth. 

If they win Saturday, I'm positive they'll be ready for the CFP semis. A bowl game - even an NY6 appearance - is ultimately meaningless. A CFP appearance means you have a shot at a non-mythical national championship. They'll be ready. 

Bo's era was a totally different era.

The level of training, preparation, support staff (nutritionist, sports psychologists, physical therapists, etc.) these guys go through, isn't even comparable.

If we win, we'll have 27 days until the Semi-Final, and then 10 days until the Final.

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Bo's era was a totally different era.

The level of training, preparation, support staff (nutritionist, sports psychologists, physical therapists, etc.) these guys are provided is next level, isn't even comparable.

If we win on Saturday, we'll have 27 days until the Semi-Final, and then 10 days until the Final.

The amount of extra practice/film-time plus training, many coaches have remarked on what a huge advantage it is that carries into the following year.

More "logic" on display:

Izzomsu: UM on the road besides playing a really bad Wisconsin and MD team has been pretty mediocre.

PylonPileOn: Which Iowa win impressed you the most?

Izzomsu: None of them but it doesn’t matter. Completely different game. I can see this being like the PSU or Nebraska game for UM but Iowa coming out on top.

So let me get this straight. UM sucks on the road b/c they have been mediocre, except for when they haven't been. And Iowa's mediocre wins (and getting their butts handed to them @ wisconsin) don't count b/c this is a completely different game. Makes sense. 

At least there are actually some level-headed posters there:

I don't see any scenario where scUm only scores 17 points unless they have multiple turnovers.

Actually, I think they [Iowa] have been one of the most consistent teams in college football. Mediocre from day one.

I could see this. I could also see Iowa get down early and Michigan just roll them. This game is all on Iowa’s defense. Because we know the offense isnt doing anything. So they either fluster Michigan and win 17-14. Or they lose 31-10.

Yeah the Michigan passing offense has dramatically improved. Early in the season we laughed when they couldn't move it against Rutgers. No longer one dimensional.

Iowa is going to struggle to score unless they can get some turnovers for their offense, but UM doesn't turn the ball over much.

Yeah remember this is the same team that went down 10-0 to Illinois and needed a kickoff return for a td for any life. Needed a block kick when down 21-9 to Nebraska for life. No need to pretend like this team is good. Maybe the weakest 10 win team I've seen in a long time (they scored 31 points in a 3 game stretch this year, woof!). 

Iowa has no firepower and won’t be able to protect their QB. They would need a lucky turnover day and a horrible outing from UM’s QB to win.

With all of that said, their [Iowa's] rushing attack is not very good, their QB is straight garbage, they have one solid receiver/return man in Charlie Jones, and a solid defense. Their record is a product of an easy schedule, not of a good football team. I can tell you right now there is no way they put up 21 on Michigan on offense. They’d have to get a special teams or defensive TD.

Iowa has a crappy pass offense and is reliant on turnovers/special teams to win. Michigan doesnt turn it over and has good special teams. Will be a tough one for the Hawkyes.

And finally...

This is Michigan's year. Take your bias and leave it at the door. Michigan is better at almost every position, their OL is going to dominate. This is going to be a 14+ beatdown. I don't want to see it but there is 1% chance Iowa wins. End of story.