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 7:32 PM ^
Unlike Hemingway/Odoms, there's no real replacement evident for replacing Koger and Watson's snaps.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:20 PM ^
If, and it's a big if, if we can replace Martin, Van Bergen, and Molk, then the sky is the limit. Our offense is going to be literally unstoppable. We'll have Denard as a senior and if he actually has figured "it" out then he could be the one going to New York this time next year. We'll have Touissant, Roundtree, Gallon, Stonum, Smith, etc. Our DBs will be great next year, along with our LB corps, if Will Campbell steps up or Ondre Pipkins can come in immediately, we're set.
And our schedule is easier than it looks. Alabama loses a lot of starters, I think something like 10 or so. MSU loses everyone of importance, ND loses a lot of starters as well. Nebraska loses Crick and maybe David, and well look at what we did this year. OSU will be installing a new offense. Illinois will have a first year head coach. Purdue is Purdue. UMass is FCS. Air Force will be like Western Michigan this year. Minnesota is ....hahah. Iowa could be tough but at least that's at home. Northwestern will go back to being Northwestern next year.
We could easily make the MNC. Well as easily as winning 13 games can be done. It's definitely in the realm of possibility. The future looks bright, it's a new era.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:28 PM ^
loses so many players. They may not be very good, but you never know. If they lose mr. "60 minutes of unnecessary roughness" then they could be in for a world of hurt. So, I think you're right. The sky's the limit at this point. We should accept nothing but the best. Hoke has set the bar. Now he has to llive up to it from now on.
December 6th, 2011 at 7:15 PM ^
We're going to miss Hemingway, though. We don't really have another player that fits his profile of a big, sure-handed possession receiver/jump ball guy. He was in many ways Denard's security blanket in the passing game.
December 7th, 2011 at 8:01 AM ^
That sounds like a movie title. We do get Stonum back, and I really like Jackson to step up more next year. The kid has great size, and could be the jump ball/possession guy you speak of.
So many key performers this year, but Gallon played a HUGE role in our success. A year ago I couldn't imagine saying that, but he stepped up big.
December 6th, 2011 at 7:41 PM ^
MSU returns 10 starters off an excellent defense. They lose their QB and WR, but the OL and RB will be back. Cousins is overrated anyway. MSU will probably be better.
December 6th, 2011 at 9:38 PM ^
Does that count Worthy as back? Because he's almost certainly going to declare for the draft.
December 7th, 2011 at 8:05 AM ^
plus I expect Gholston to be in jail by then.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:20 PM ^
Our schedule is very difficult. I know we will be good, but you have to consider the schedule. Here's how I see our games, as of right now (obviously subject to massive change).
Most likely wins: AFA, UMASS, Purdue, Illinois, MINN, IOWA, NW
Could go either way: ND (debated putting in the above category), MSU, OSU
Makes me nervous: Bama
This says a lot about who we plan to be. This past year we were nervous about SDSU, OSU, and Nebraska, all wins.
I think we should set out expectation at 10-2. We need to take care of the first category entirely, preferably all of the second, though one loss wouldn't be horrible (if I had to pick, ND would be it because it's OOC and they have to actually play up to their potential at some point, right?) and you never know about Bama. So, another 10-2 season with a trip to the BCG would be a reasonable expectation.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:22 PM ^
Nebraska was so stomped this year that they won't play us next?
December 6th, 2011 at 7:46 PM ^
It's all about the schedule. This was a shaky team on the road this year. They will need to improve to overcome road tests at ND, Nebraska and Ohio. Bama will be a road game too for all intents and purposes. That's an extremely rough slate and we all know how tough it is to stay sharp each and every week. Honestly, there might be a little backslide.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:22 PM ^
I will say one thing, which is that coming into this season we appeared to have huge holes all around. The coaches, however, fixed those up and then some over the offseason. We're still used to the past few years, where lost starters = bad play from a position (due to poor coaching and therefore very little improvement), but I think the coaches will be able to fix up our DL and OL enough that we'll be fine. Given a senior QB, and a very difficult schedule, my estimate is 9 wins. It's very possible that we lose our first two games and win the B1G for a Rose Bowl birth.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:26 PM ^
I'm guessing Denard, Kovacs and Roh.
Other potentials are Roundtree, Floyd, Demens and Omameh. Almost picked Roundtree.
December 6th, 2011 at 7:04 PM ^
I'd say Lewan more likely than Tree, and maybe more likely than Denard, because they both seem pretty quiet to me (though that's not necessarily a deal breaker). That said, there's no way we can know outside of the locker room, since captains aren't chosen based on ability but rather on toughness and leadership. Who knows, maybe Stonum grows up big time and gets chosen.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:31 PM ^
Doesn't Alabama lose a lot of experience off this years team? ND loses a lot too. I know when you're Alabama you just reload but experience means a lot. My expectation for 133 is 10-2 but I think we can go undefeated. Maybe I'm setting the bar too high, but before this season I had the same feeling
December 6th, 2011 at 6:32 PM ^
Losing Molk, RVB, Hemingway, and Martin will hurt along with other solid contributors and leaders like Huyge, Koger, Woolfolk, and Odoms. If Team 133 can find a way to fill the hole on interior D-Line, I think we will be a damn good football team.
For the first time in forever I'm a little excited about the secondary. Countess and a RS senior Floyd are solid at corner with Avery and Raymon Taylor getting snaps at nickel and in relief. Gordon and a RS senior Kovacs are solid at safety with the possibility that Furman or M-Rob finally figure it out with another spring and fall under Mattison and Co. A RS senior Demens leads the linebackers along with a ton of guys who should challenge for time. Senior Roh will be the veteran among an inexperienced group on the line where freshmen Pipkins, Godin, Wormley, and Strobel may challenge for PT.
Lewan returns as a RS junior as the anchor at LT with returning contributors Omameh, Barnum, and Schofield along with a RS senior Khoury who may step in as a stopgap at center. The Fitzkrieg should continue at running back alongside a senior Vincent Smith getting time on third downs and hopefully a freshman named Dunn getting some carries. A RS senior Brandon Moore will likely be the starter at tight end with inexperienced Ricardo Miller and freshmen behind that. At receiver, Stonum likely takes the role of #1 and deep threat while Gallon and Roundtree get their share of catches and maybe some early contributions from newcomer Amara Darboh.
And then we come to senior Denard. How does Borges sculpt next year's offense? How does the culmination of Denard's QB development go? The pieces are in place if Denard turns a corner for another special year. Should be fun.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:34 PM ^
So a 10-2 season is probable, considering the home field advantage in most cases is considered a 3 point (advantage). Saying that our offense should be better, we lose mainly Molk, Koger and Hemingway there, but really gain a better Fitz and still have a good OL and have Stonum back and don't forget about a better Denard, Gardner and any freshman coming in to the class (Kyle Kalis included).
On defense, the whole secondary is intact (I love Woolfolk, but comeon we've lost him 2 years ago!! Thomas Gordon and Cam should fill in)... The DL is another story, but I am hopeful that Cambell and others should fill in at some point. Defense honestly should be better, we have to take into conisderation that the defense had good numbers this season but really we were all hopeful for 2012, that means they should improve, especially with the contribution of incoming freshmen in 2012 and the maturity of current freshmen like Ryan, the weakness might be the DL, but the DEs and LBs should be better, so lets call it even here.
Special teams definitly should be better, matured returners, new contributors, an ok kicker and a solid punter, lets also call it even.
My conclusion based on weak evedince is Slightly better offense, no change on defense and ST, and a tougher schedule (Remember OSU should be better and ND too).. So toss ups are OSU, Alabama, Nebraska and ND, lets go 2-2 and those are your losses, 10-2 season and depending on who we lose to we might join Wisconson (If they aquire Crist from ND) in the BTCG (if so it a 50-50 again) so a NewYear Bowl is very probable, a BCS bowl is very possible.
For worst possible I would say 8-4 (3 tossup losses and one surprise loss) though Michigan might be overwhelmed by being the favorites in most games (pressure factor)
On the other hand, I was taught at Michigan that we should aim for a National Championship every year so my hopeful prediction is thi 13-0 and a National Championship appearance :D GO BLUE AND LETS BEAT VT
December 6th, 2011 at 6:35 PM ^
I'm perpetually paranoid, but I'm calling Nebraska as a toss-up that leans towards LOSS. I believe in Coach Hoke and Mattison, but I really will need to first see how our juniors step up to fill the holes left by Team 132's senior leaders.
Aside from us not having Mike Martin who almost singlehandedly won the game for us in the trenches, they will still have T-Magic and Burkhead and it's at Lincoln. We were undoubtedly better than Nebraska this year, but not necessarily 28 pts better. You have to assume that their special teams doesn't crap the bed again in 2012. I think we can win and expect us to play a great game, but I'd call this an understandable loss if it doesn't go our way.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:37 PM ^
I don't know about the overall record, but I expect us to win the Big Ten championship. I think we will have the best team in the conference.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:37 PM ^
...unless we go to a better bowl game. (NO DON'T JINX IT you dummy argh!)
December 6th, 2011 at 6:39 PM ^
It is very possible, hear me out:
-Richardson will be gone.
- Main WR's gone(Maize, Hanks).
Starting LB Upshaw, Nico Johnson, Harris, and Hightower are more than likely all gone.
- Kirpatrick (early to draft), Mark Barron, Dequan Menzie, all main guys in the secondary off to the NFL.
I know, I know they just reload every year, but they haven't always started off the bat with a great defense.
Not to mention, our defense will be one year older, strong WR core, and a backfield who, IMO, will possibly get in each other's way from becoming lead candidates for the Heisman Trophy.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:53 PM ^
If he plays like he did against Ohio and Nebraksa for the whole season, I think there's a pretty good shot...
December 6th, 2011 at 7:00 PM ^
A quick look at their Rivals site depth chart also reveals their top tight end, center, and top 2 at nose tackle are all seniors. Pending early entry to the NFL, Alabama is likely returning under 10 starters for next year. I'm still worried about their talent. Epic scumbag Nick Saban and his oversigning practices help them reload better and faster than anyone else. But the outlook is much better playing them next year than in a bowl game.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:25 AM ^
Good news about losing their nose tackles...I'm nervous about Molk's graduation...senior centers of his caliber are tough to replace...
December 6th, 2011 at 7:09 PM ^
Who are some other early favorites for Heisman next year? Will it be open enough that it will play out like this year with multiple non-undefeated guys getting serious consideration? I see this season as kind of an anomaly in that way.
December 6th, 2011 at 7:21 PM ^
Honey Badger, any of the candidates this year that don't go pro (All have eligibility available), and then from a yardbarker sight,
Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina (If healthy, !!!!!)
Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State(?)
Lamar Miller, Miami
Michael Dyer, Auburn
Knile Davis, Arkansas
Robert Griffin III (Probablly gone)
Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois (?)
Tajh Boyd, Clemson
Tyler Bray, Tennessee
Aaron Murray, Georgia ($)
Geno Smith, West Virginia
Denard Robinson, Michigan (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Taylor Martinez, Nebraska (ha...)
December 6th, 2011 at 8:00 PM ^
Normally, someone comes out of nowhere also. My bold prediction for that player: Blake Bell, currently Oklahoma's version of Tim Tebow.
December 6th, 2011 at 11:28 PM ^
I'd put Sammy Watkins on that list too
December 7th, 2011 at 12:53 AM ^
deanthony thomas -ore
tyler wilson - ark
ej manuel - fsu
darick rogers - tenn
robert woods/marquise lee - usc
December 6th, 2011 at 6:47 PM ^
Didn't Charles Woodson say, "Why don't we just win every game?" I know we lose some outstanding seniors from this year's team and I am going to cherish every moment of their domination over VT. But there is no reason we cannot defeat every team on the schedule next year. Let's plan on that!! Go Blue!!!!
December 6th, 2011 at 6:56 PM ^
We don't want that tip getting out to other teams.
December 6th, 2011 at 7:35 PM ^
1. Win every regular season game
2. Win B1G championship
3. Get seeded fourth in the six team playoff (agreed upon in the off-season after Brian's plan is discovered by Jim Delany and emailed to every school president) behind one loss Alabama, LSU, Auburn, and 6-6 Vanderbilt because they play in the toughest conference in the country.
4. Win two road games in the playoffs
6. Beat Alabama for a second time in the Rose Bowl
7. ???
8. Profit
December 6th, 2011 at 6:52 PM ^
That's all I ask for next year!
December 6th, 2011 at 6:59 PM ^
My friends kid me about this but I always say going into any year - "This is Michigan, I expect nothing less than a National Championship." I'm sticking to that even if it hasn't come true for a while now. I believe Brady Hoke will get us there...
December 6th, 2011 at 7:01 PM ^
against ohio, nd and lil bro. clean up the b1g. Loss at Alabama, nebraska and Iowa.
December 7th, 2011 at 8:11 AM ^
in the cornfield last year, there is NO WAY this team loses to Iowa at home in 2012.
December 7th, 2011 at 1:32 AM ^
The way the offense came together at the end of the season is very encouraging. Denard really seemed to break through over the last three games, and I think that will carry over to next season. Fitz will improve upon the 1000-yard season he put up this year. We don't lose too much at the skill positions. Molk, Koger, and Hemingway are the three players whose absence will be felt the most, but we get Stonum back.
Obviously, losing 3 of 4 starters on the line is the biggest concern on defense. Mike Martin's absence will be felt the most. But I think the stable of backups replacing them is decent. Richard Ash and Quinton Washington were both 4-star prospects. Will Campbell obviously has enormous potential. Plus, they're coached by Hoke himself. And for the first time in a long time, the secondary will not be an area of panic-inducing concern. Minus Woolfolk, we return everyone from a unit that was pretty solid this year.
Honestly, I think the sky is the limit. Having said that, we will have to play a complete game in every respect in order to stand a chance against Alabama. It's a winnable game given all the talent they're likely to lose, but Alabama never has a shortage of talent (ahem). If we can win that game, it will make a huge statement about what this team is capable of. From there, it's just a matter of staying focused.
I'll say 10-2 and division winners. Losses at ND and Nebraska. I'll go out on a limb and predict an upset of Alabama. We'll play in the conference championship game, but I have no idea how to predict that since I don't know what Wisconsin and Penn State look like next year. If Urban hits the ground running, this might be the year we see a rematch of The Game in the B1G Championship Game. That's entirely possible since Braxton Miller improved as the season went on and he's ideally suited to Urban's offense.
December 6th, 2011 at 8:03 PM ^
Early L's to Bama and ND will have some panicked and jumping off the bandwagon. They will rebound to win the B1G - beating Sparty by at least 3 TD's, beating Ohio by 3 in C-bus and by 10 in the B1G Championship. They will also win the Rose Bowl. Final record 11-3.
2015 They will beat RR - Arizona in the Rose Bowl.
December 6th, 2011 at 9:07 PM ^
Ah, yes, the annual prediction of a blowout of Little Brother. I do notice the margin of imaginary victory has shrunk over the last few years, so that's progress toward reality.
December 6th, 2011 at 10:02 PM ^
Little brother is always whining about something, whether it be 2012 score predictions or 2011 bowl game invites!!!!
December 6th, 2011 at 8:30 PM ^
I hope Trent Richardson enters draft so we will face Dee Hart down in Dallas and pull the upset...I would guess Michigan start year ranked in top 10 and Alabama top 5
December 7th, 2011 at 8:14 AM ^
but I don't think Dee Hart is Richardson's replacement next year. With the talent Saban gets, he may graduate from Alabama without much PT at all. I'm not wishing that on him, but it could play out that way.
December 6th, 2011 at 9:32 PM ^
VT--not impressive schedule, fresh off an epic Clemson beating, still dangerous ballclub. Mich pulls it out by 10.
Bama--Penciled in as loss. They lose a lot of players of graduation but so do we and their built in oversigning advantage is huge.
AF--Defend the home stadium and keep the streak going.
UMass--The D knows not to underestimate this team. They're in the MAC next year so there's no excuse to lose.
ND--No Floyd and their quarterback numbers are dwindling. We get it done on the road and senior Denard beats ND three years in a row as the starting QB.
Purdue--win
Illinois--FIrst-year coach, junior Scheelhaasse. We may overlook this game because of State. Push but I trend towards win.
MSU--No Cousins and his senior WRs leave as well. This game will depend on the run D and if it holds firm I think we can score 23-30 points and win.
Nebraska--They mad and it's at Nebraska. Push, trending towards loss.
Minny--Win
NU--No Persa==win
Iowa--I'm tired of losing to these guys and their D talent stockpile is dwindling. Push, trending towards win.
Ohio--??? Will it be spread of doom in Columbus or fumble-itis and clownage? It depends on how quickly BM learns the new offense, and if he can stay healthy. Given that he will be doing more running this is an open question. Herron and Posey are gone and the Ohio D was mediocre last year. The Michigan secondary is still shaky but Year 2 of The Mattison Effect pays off and the Michigan secondary gets 2 INTs in the win.
Wins: AF, UMass, ND, Purdue, MSU, Minny, NU, Ohio
Push/Win: Illinois, Iowa
Push/Loss: Nebraska
Loss: Bama
8-4 at worst, 11-1 at best.
December 6th, 2011 at 9:56 PM ^
December 7th, 2011 at 8:26 AM ^
-Following that win I will not be a dick to all the Sparties who have been total dicks these last 4 years. I will be kind and gracious and this will piss them off way more
While no one appreciates your restraint and class more than me, wouldn't a long overdue nuggie be more appropriate?
December 6th, 2011 at 10:10 PM ^
I expect team 133 to Roll Bama!
December 7th, 2011 at 12:46 AM ^
4 tough road games, losing 3 seniors on the Dline, and the big ten can't possibly be as bad as it was this year... who knows. But let's not start predicting anything crazy, it's likely our record will take a step back next year. I'd say 8-4.
December 7th, 2011 at 8:38 AM ^
in 2005 and 2007 we had really high preseason rankings and didn't perform all that well (using Michigan standards in those days), however in 2004 and 2006 we had relatively lower preseason rankings and exceeded those expectations (greatly exceeded those expectations in 06). In 2011 we weren't even close to cracking the top 25 in the preseason and heading into bowl time we're 14ish (definitely exceeding expectations again). Using only this as the indicator for team #133, I imagine we'll be ranked in the top 25 preseason, and if we're top 10 then M is headed straight for a 7-5 finish.
December 7th, 2011 at 9:00 AM ^
I know we lose Martin, RVB, and Molk....but still get 16/17 starters back (if you include Stonum as a starter). I'd say that's pretty good...especially when one of them is a senior quarterback!
MSU has13 starters back (5 on offense...they get decimated at WR and QB...plus 8 on D). I'd say with a new QB and our senior QB...we should be in good position to break the skid against them.
Alabama scares me....but after looking into it....I am not sure how much. They have 13 starters (assuming only Richardson leaves but they might have more) coming back (7 on O and 6 on D)....and 28 back from their two deep.
We have (by my count) 36 back from our two deep....plus a good class coming in and last years class will have another year under their belts. If the Dline potential problems can be solved (come on, Big Will!)....I think next year has a chance to be as good record wise but better in terms of Big Ten Championship. Brian has been saying we need to get to 2013 before being back....but I am beginning to think otherwise.
December 7th, 2011 at 2:43 PM ^
minor gripe: who's the slappy on here who's marking as Flamebait posts here that have the temerity to suggest that some of our games might be probable losses? How is that inflammatory? This isn't bucknuts.com or rcmb, fergodsakes.