META: HTTV Thoughts & Reactions

Submitted by JeepinBen on

Like most of you that were in the office July 5th and 6th, I spent about 70% of my time at work reading the digital HTTV that came via email. So, what did you think? Any sections surprise you? Any predictions floor you from the round table? Any opponent previews give you a different thought about how that game will go?

evenyoubrutus

July 9th, 2018 at 10:08 AM ^

Couple thoughts: I was a little disappointed to see Brian dismiss Vilain's chances of playing this year so readily. I had a lot of high hopes for him, considering he's not that far behind Solomon in terms of his recruiting accolades.

They've got a legitimate shot at having the #1 defense in the country, even by fancystats. 

After reading this preview and seeing all the guys who are projecting to have a big, positive impact on this team, I really people need to step away from the "not enough starz" ledge that some seem to be on. So many of these guys who look like they're going to have a shot at all conference or better ratings were 3.5 star or less recruits. Even Devin Bush was a fringe 4 star yet he plays like a 5 star.

1989 UM GRAD

July 9th, 2018 at 10:17 AM ^

Yes to this.  There's an article in this morning's Detroit News reviewing the 2015 (transitional) and 2016 recruiting classes.  The hit rate on the 2016 class is incredible.  Looks like most of the class will be significant contributors to this year's team.  Very few misses.  I've been fully on the Harbaugh bandwagon since his hiring was announced...and my confidence in what he's building hasn't budged.   In five years, we'll look back at last season as being an anomaly.

WGoNerd

July 9th, 2018 at 10:21 AM ^

I haven't read the whole thing yet, just the positional previews, but it really does show that if we can get a few things to go well *coughOLINEcough* we could be in the playoff hunt.

oriental andrew

July 9th, 2018 at 2:53 PM ^

Thanks for the minor correction. Vegas says that Michigan has the 2nd best odds amongst Big Ten teams of WINNING the CFP. I've bolded the Big Ten teams (plus nd) below and, oh, look. Michigan plays them all...

https://www.landof10.com/big-ten/college-football-2019-national-championship-odds-picks-alabama-georgia-ohio-state

Alabama 11/4

Clemson 6/1

Georgia 15/2

Ohio State 15/2

Michigan 9/1

Penn State 11/1

Oklahoma 18/1

Auburn 20/1

Texas 20/1

Miami 22/1

Wisconsin 22/1

LSU 25/1

Michigan State 25/1

Notre Dame 33/1

Perkis-Size Me

July 9th, 2018 at 10:36 AM ^

Thank you for reminding me that my digital copy came last week. I suppose that's what happens when I drink my way through a holiday week. 

Welp, my work productivity level just went down DRAMATICALLY today. 

Farnn

July 9th, 2018 at 11:11 AM ^

I'm out of the country this summer so I didn't back this year, forgetting about the digital copy.  Is there any way to just buy the digital edition? I looked around but only see the paper copy and no mention of digital with those orders.

Chaco

July 9th, 2018 at 11:17 AM ^

I thought it was great and appreciate the time and effort that go into it.  I also really enjoy the slightly tangential stories (e.g. history of the banner and the '42 UM:ND game).  It's a great preseason read and for anyone who is on the fence (if such a person exists) spending the time/money I highly recommend.

maizenblue92

July 9th, 2018 at 12:16 PM ^

Only part of the way through it, but the Nebraska write up should have opened by denoting them as the 1997 runners-up instead of 1997 co-champs. Pretty good so far otherwise.

Bodogblog

July 9th, 2018 at 12:25 PM ^

Really liked Seth's opening editorial, probably in some part because it aligns with my view. 

Only through a bit of it, but Brian's write-up for Sam McKeon was worth the price alone.  

"Goals for 2018 include development into a clear plus blocker, exploration of his not-at-all-shabby vertical speed, and not taking any handoffs." 

LSAClassOf2000

July 9th, 2018 at 1:22 PM ^

I downloaded the PDF from the link but sadly I am the jackass who has only just started reading it about a week later as last week was kind of crazy despite the holiday. 

That said, I took today off, and I am going through the position previews - so far, so good.