What To Expect for Team #133?
Assuming we handle the Hokies on January 3rd we will cruise into the 2012 season higher than a flying squirrel in a giant redwood tree. If you think it was difficult waiting for Coach Hoke and company to maketheir debut in September 2011 then you'll find the wait for the 2012 season exceptionally excruciating. Of course we will face some challenges as the DL, OL, and skilled areas will lose some outstanding big time players. The question is what can we expect from team #133? Can this season (team #132) be topped in 2012, or is this as good as it gets for 2 or 3 years?
December 6th, 2011 at 6:04 PM ^
It seems to be somewhat common in the last decade or so for national championship teams to be captained by 2nd year coaches.
I will leave it at that.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:01 PM ^
We will move from Beat Oho to Beat VT.
Then take care of that smug MF Saban.
December 6th, 2011 at 9:39 PM ^
And after that, win #900.
December 6th, 2011 at 9:51 PM ^
But it's crazy to me to think that Paterno has nearly half that total himself...
December 6th, 2011 at 10:06 PM ^
knock off 1/3 of his win total for games that he roamed the sidleines aimlessly, crapping his pants involuntarily and "wishing he'd done more"
December 6th, 2011 at 6:03 PM ^
is going to be difficult to overcome next year. plus the fact that we lose Martin and RVB...I am going to say 8-9 wins...
December 6th, 2011 at 6:08 PM ^
Don't forget about Molk.
I think we're going to go through some growing pains early, but I think our line coaches are great and we'll improve as the season goes on. We have our two star offensive players returning so that's a good thing. Looking through our schedule, I don't think it's that bad. I'm cautiously expecting a 9 win season, but I think we can exceed those expectations.
December 6th, 2011 at 8:11 PM ^
Not that bad? Uh, probably the toughest schedule we've had ever. Alabama and ND away (Bama is technically "away" though neutral), then Nebraska and OSU away? Air Force isn't terrible. We only have one cupcake all year - UMass. At Minnesota will be tougher, we still have NW, MSU, Iowa, all tough games.
Next year is simply brutal. Were we to have a normal schedule I could see 11 wins, but with this schedule:
Bama - Loss (Bama curb stomps teams, we'll be shut down akin to the MSU game this year, with under 180 yards rushing)
AF - Win (not easy)
Mass - Win (cupcake)
ND - Coin flip lean loss (road game, ND is due)
Purdue - Win (at home)
Ill - Win - (new coach)
MSU - Coin flip lean win (they break in a new QB, but of course, very tough game since they've solved our offense each of the last three years.)
Nebraska - Coin flip lean loss (road game, see Neb/MSu this year)
Minn - Win (barely, will be a tough one we underachieve)
NW - Win (no Persa, no chance)
Iowa - Win (just not enough talent for Iowa)
OSU - Coin flip lean loss (Meyer, and Miller's potential is scary. Visions of Troy Smith dance in my head).
Expected wins: 7
Expected losses: 1
Coin flips: 4
Assume we split coin flips, then we go:
9-3, but with my leanings, 8-4 is more realistic than 10-2, and it will be either UM or Nebraska playing in the BTCG, basically whoever wins the UM/Neb game.
December 6th, 2011 at 9:56 PM ^
We might as well just not even play next year.
December 7th, 2011 at 12:31 AM ^
You'd get a +1, sir. More funny than insightful.
December 7th, 2011 at 12:10 AM ^
That bad being not as bad as people like you are making it out to be.
I think 9-3 is what I expect. Everyone is making next year out to be the schedule from hell, when, in reality, you have to figure that we can win at least 9 games. We don't know how good Alabama is going to be next year, but that's the most likely loss. I agree with your assessment on the schedule, but I also trust that the players we have will continue to get better as they get better acclimated to the coaching system. We saw them get stronger as this season went along and I see no reason for that not to be the case next year. Furthermore, in the rivalry games this season (I'm counting Nebraska because it is a big game), Team #132 went 3-1. There's no reason they can't do that again next year. 9-3 isn't bad and it could give us the Legends Division. 10-2 doesn't seem out of the question either.
December 7th, 2011 at 12:37 AM ^
We don't know how good alabama is going to be next year? Did you mean you? Their defense is ridiculous. They're losing Richardson... probably.... but their defense is just too stout. They're graduating 5 senior starters on defense, but will replace them with 2 seniors, a junior, and two redshirt sophomores. They have depth, they have talent, they'll be great.
December 7th, 2011 at 7:29 AM ^
I agree with most of your assessments. I haven't looked at the schedule, but do we really get Purdue at home in 2012, after we had them at home this year? That doesn't seem right.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:34 PM ^
If we don't do as well next year Sparty is going to be more unbearable than ever before talking about how we were only good this year because of our favorable schedule and shouldn't have gotten their bowl. I'm really just getting sick of arguing with them. F having a competitive rivalry. I just want to blow them out every year from now until the end of time.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:45 PM ^
MSU at home next year and they lose some key players namely their QB and WR. I think we will beat them next year...
December 6th, 2011 at 7:24 PM ^
so I think they're going to be formidable. Like it or not, Coach Dantonio has done a decent job in EL and I fear he will continue to do so.
December 6th, 2011 at 7:23 PM ^
December 6th, 2011 at 11:02 PM ^
Off the top of my head, I'm pretty sure Illinois got an at large just a few years ago to the Rose at 9-3.
December 7th, 2011 at 12:37 AM ^
That was an unusual year with LSU winning the MNC with 2 losses. Hawaii was the only team to finish with 1 loss that year. Ohio was the only 1 loss BCS team at the end of the regular season.
December 6th, 2011 at 11:09 PM ^
These dipshits were 6-7 only 3 years ago. They act like they have been the Scourge of the B1G for years. God they are insufferable.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:05 PM ^
For the double post...
December 6th, 2011 at 6:05 PM ^
- #beatohio
- I expect them to play a good game against Alabama.
- End the MSU streak.
- Either win a BCS at-large bowl or play in the BTCG.
I realize we have some scheduling issues, even in conference, but we were one game (and a tiebreaker) away from the division leader this year and hopefully there will be some improvement. Even losing Molk, MM and RVB, Denard shouldn't struggle like he did at points and we'll have FItz all season (hopefully).
December 6th, 2011 at 6:09 PM ^
We still need worry about Team 132 right now.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:21 PM ^
We still need to enjoy Team 132 right now.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:42 PM ^
Unless you play on Team 132, what you worry about will have zero influence on how Team 132 plays on the field, so how about we all just talk about whatever we think is fun and interesting? Isn't that sort of the point here?
December 6th, 2011 at 6:12 PM ^
I dont what the # of wins will be but we should win the Bo Division.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:18 PM ^
I think we have a really good shot at the B1G championship game at the very least... MSU is gonna lose some key people, Iowa is gonna suck, Nebraska is pretty much the same team.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:13 PM ^
| Sept. 1 | vs. Alabama TOSS UP (lean loss) |
| Sept. 8 | AIR FORCE LOLZ |
| Sept. 15 | MASSACHUSETTS LOLZ |
| Sept. 22 | at Notre Dame TOSS UP (lean win) |
| Sept. 29 | Bye Week |
| Oct. 6 | at Purdue* WIN |
| Oct. 13 | ILLINOIS* (HC) WIN |
| Oct. 20 | MSU TOSS UP (lean win) |
| Oct. 27 | at Nebraska* TOSS UP (lean win) |
| Nov. 3 | at Minnesota* LOLZ |
| Nov. 10 | NORTHWESTERN* WIN |
| Nov. 17 | IOWA* WIN |
| Nov. 24 | at Ohio State* TOSS UP (50/50) |
| Dec. 1 | Big Ten Championship Gam |
I'd say ABSOLUTELY WORST CASE is 7-5... BEST CASE is 11-1... Probable 9-3
December 6th, 2011 at 6:29 PM ^
I expect the MSU game to be a win. It's at home, and they have to replace their entire passing game.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:38 PM ^
and you have 10-2, which I think is realistic.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:45 PM ^
Seems reasonable. I wouldn't judge Nebraska based on this years game though. Beating them at their house is gonna be really tough. I think it'll be the two of us fighting it out at the top of the division, with Sparty being extremely predictable running the ball 70 percent of the time. Ohio actually scares me a little bit too but I think our D line will get coached up enough with the secondary and linebacker corp taking a big step and neutralizing Miller's improved passing and scrambling ability. Basically, the thought of a full year under Mattison gives me a... well you know.
December 6th, 2011 at 7:29 PM ^
Alabama is not a toss up game. They'll come in as significant favorites - probably around a touchdown.
I agree with categorizing the other matchups as toss ups (ND, MSU, Neb, and OSU), but 3 of those 4 are on the road. And, of course, we could again be upset somewhere else; Air Force isn't a pushover, Northwestern and Iowa always put up a fight. Luckily there aren't any obvious trap games or tough sneaky-tough road games (Purdue and Minn should still be weak).
I'd guess the sportsbooks will set the o/u at 8 or 8.5, depending on how the offseason goes and what happens with Meyer/Ohio.
December 7th, 2011 at 8:19 AM ^
that Michigan will have a chance to play in the first ever Big Ten Championship Gam.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:13 PM ^
First, I just want to beat VT... an 11 win season will have me giddy for months to come...
Yes, giddy....
But honestly, I desperately want to beat MSU....I think we can end the streak and pull in 8 or 9 wins...I said I expected 8 wins this year, and I was pleasantly surprised, so hopefully next year we get 10+, too.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:14 PM ^
I would like to see us go 3-1 in our non conference schedule. To do that we would have to split Bama/ND which is not an easy task, and Air Force, while still at home, will pose challenges.
Beyond that I do not think it is unreasonable for us to win the Big Ten Championship next year. We will have some D-Line growing pains, but we have some talent, and I can definitely see Ondre playing as a freshmen. Remember, we will finally have experience at LB, which will help the D-Line drastically. My main concern is replacing Molk, so hopefully someone can step up. But, yes, I say why not Big Ten Champions in 2012?
December 6th, 2011 at 6:14 PM ^
1) Both sides of the ball continue to grow comfortable with the systems of Hoke, Borges, Mattison And Co.
2) Compete through a pretty tough schedule in 2012. I don't think 9-3 is unrealistic despite the losses on the lines if the quality of play is on the high end. I know, ever the optimist...
3) Beat MSU because I miss the ensuing schadenfreude after that particular game.
4) Beat Spread And The Slot Ninjas in Columbus.
5) Pretend the sports department at the Free Press doesn't exist.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:14 PM ^
Goals:
Beat Ohio
Beats MSU
Go 9-3 (or better)
Win Big Ten Championship
I don't want to say its unrealistic to beat alabama (because its not), but if we lose to the team coming off a NC game it also won't break my heart. Also if all of my goals happen except the last, it would still be an extremely successful season.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:25 PM ^
Does Alabama lose anyone notable? Any chance some of their more talented Juniors leave a year early?
December 6th, 2011 at 6:27 PM ^
is in New York for the Heisman ceremony this weekend and could declare. Not sure about their lines/defense, though. Lacy is supposed to be nasty as well though, so who knows if that's more than marginally helpful.
December 7th, 2011 at 8:40 AM ^
December 6th, 2011 at 6:44 PM ^
Richardson, Kirkpatrick and Hightower are all projected, at least on some boards, to be first rounders. I think most expect those three to leave.
There's a couple more juniors on defense that are 2nd/3rd rounder types. Probably will come back, but you never know. Either way, I expect them to be down 4-6 guys on defense alone that will go in the top half of the draft. They'll undoubtedly still be excellent on defense, but I'd expect them to be a bit more pliable next year.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:43 PM ^
Down a ways, I list who they could lose. Behind their D-Line, next to everyone will (could) be gone. Many of the juniors on the Defense and Richardson are more than likely gone, because they are projected high. Hell, they had 11 all-conference players.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:46 PM ^
They actually lose a lot. their secondary is full of seniors , the Reicers have a lot of seniors 2 or 3 TE , 2 LB's and 1-2 D linemen. the 2 Juniors to watch are Richardson who i think will leave early ( ncaa investigation with the whole t-town menswear and his truck) And Don'ta hightower who i'm really not sure about. We'll have a shot to win either way but they are Senior heavy
December 6th, 2011 at 7:12 PM ^
Lose both starting wideouts too. The big worry is that they return everyone but their center on their O-line and we'll be starting three new players on the D-line. You know they'll want to just try to run us over. Still, early next year is probably the best time to play Alabama of any time since Saban's second year.
December 7th, 2011 at 12:32 AM ^
I have a pretty good friend who is an Alabama fan and thinks michigan wins that game b/c of all the players he expects AL to lose.
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<br>Plus, after the last three games of this season especially I think AL and the rest of our schedule are going to have their hands full with a Sr Denard/Fitz rushing assault. Borges seems to have figured it out. I mean, 40 pts on Ohio? 45 on Nebraska? Sheesh!
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<br>I respect the tough schedule we have next year but I also think that we are going to be that team that no one looks forward to playing
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December 7th, 2011 at 7:53 AM ^
but then again, they simply reload. Those less experienced players may be mistake prone though. I think we give AL a good game at least, especially with all that time for our tremendous staff to prepare.
That OSU game makes me think Denard is still improving his "when to run" decisions. He made Ohio pay several times. Denard will be in New York next December, barring injury.
ND will be tough...3rd year in the system, good Oline and Dline play, revenge factor. 50/50 chance to win.
MSU - Michigan will WIN this game. If we had played them later in the year, we may have won.
AF - big potential letdown game? We'll win, but no blowout.
Iowa is going down hard in the BH. We OWE them.
Purdue, Illinois (new coach/system?), Minny, NW, UMass all wins.
Nebraska - tough loss.
Ohio - toss up.
Toughest Michigan schedule I can ever recall. Eight wins, but possibly as many as ten, because we have defense now.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:15 PM ^
As noted above, the road schedule is brutal, and Michigan loses a key guys at DL, OL, and WR. I think eight regular season wins sounds about right.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:16 PM ^
We will have Stonum back though, FWIW.
December 7th, 2011 at 9:08 AM ^
And we have feelers out to a lot of talented WR recruits. Maybe Darboh or {insert name here} will step up as a freshman and adequately fill Juniors role on the team. Although since Junior finished the season out playing a lot of slot, I'd like to see Roy reclaim that spot and let Stonum, Darboh, unknown new player become that killer deep threat we've been lacking the past couple of seasons.
Are any of the WR recruits we're talking with looking to be early enrollees?
December 6th, 2011 at 6:32 PM ^
I can only hope you're saying that to play us as some type of underdog. Undersell the expectations...but I have to disagree. We should expect the best. Eight wins is just not good. I set my bar where the head coach does...B1G championship and let the rest take care of itself. Win the conference, expect nothing less.