Most beatable is ND.
Least MSU.
That said it doesn't matter they all must be beaten. No excuses.
MSU worries me because:
1- We play in East Lansing.
2- They play Ohio State (likely a loss), then have a bye week and then play us. I think Dantonio with two weeks can figure us out and beat us.
Notre Dame doesn't worry me too much because everyone talks about their strong finish to last season as their basis for putting them in the preseason top 25. They lost to Tulsa, then beat a Utah team that had just mentally given up the season, then beat Army. Sure, they beat USC, which I'll admit surprised me, but then they beat Miami in their bowl game. Everyone remembers the Miami-OSU game, right? That finish doesn't really impress me. I can't see them being that much better than last season. Plus we have them at home, and obviously, Denard.
OSU- Coach Hoke has really emphasized this game in press conferences, practices, and at dinner time. I expect him to do the Bo thing and implement a little prep time each week for this game. OSU comes off of a home game to Penn State. By this week I expect OSU to have at least three losses and any B1G title shot gone, but this is still The Game.
So in summary, I'm least worried about ND, pretty worried about Ohio State because it's Ohio State and most worried about MSU because they don't suck and they'll have two weeks to prep.
That MSU bye week scares me as well. I hope they don't run the mousetrap or little giants on us :(
What a joke. They were about 5 plays away from having 3 extra losses last year. Michigan needs to mentally prepare for this one.
Most-OSU
Least-MSU. But it's not like we don't have a decent shot at beating them.
Our pass rush and run d will be much improved, and their o-line much more problematic.
OSU is also beatable. Yes, they have lots of talent, especially on defense, but I think the offense is going to sputter, especially if Posey goes the way of Pryor. And we're at home.
ND is also beatable, but I think that they'll put a very good team up to play us, and we'll still have some growing pains on offense. But we're at home.
If I were a betting man, I'd say we beat MSU and either OSU/ND
MSU: We should win this game. Our defense will not be the sieve it was last year and that, as in just about every game, was our Achilles heel (which ended up being an Achilles right leg really). We return everybody, they lose a lot of key players. It's far enough into the season to where our offensive adjustments should be figured out. Either Denard will have progressed enough in Borges offense to where he is running it near last year's success rate or Borges will realize he needs to revert to a more spread heavy offense if we are to be successful.
Notre Dame: I feel like this one, as of right now, is the most dangerous. We were very lucky to win the last two encounters, so they'll have that motivating them. They finished last season strong (not beat Hawaii in the Hawaii bowl strong, but beat USC and Miami strong) and have a lot of momenteum rolling into next season. Kelly is a very good coach and if they carry their play of the second half of 2010 into 2011, Notre Dame will be a BCS team.
OSU: No clue. The Buckeyes season is going to go one of two ways: They are either going to get hit with more suspensions, start the season 3-3 or 2-4, Luke Fickell will be a lame duck by the middle of October and everyone will just be waiting till next year in hopes that Urban Meyer saves the day. With the game in Ann Arbor, I think we win it.
The other scenario is OSU dedicating the season to Tressel, their backups playing over their heads for their "beloved" coach and beating Miami in Miami to start the season. That will get the ball rolling and they'll have that "Us against the World" mentality all year. This scenario seems more unlikely, but if it does occur, I think we'd be hard-pressed to beat a 10-1 or 9-2 Buckeye team with them gunning to win it for Tressel.
This year I think ND is stronger than OSU on both sides of the ball. ND returns most of a productive offense including 2 QBs with staring experience. OSU's offense is mostly veteran, but at QB Bauserman is a career backup with a low ceiling and Miller and Guyton haven't played. Their recent offenses have been mediocre when they haven't had returning QBs. Defensively ND got much better as last season went on and they return mostly intact. OSU loses 7 starters including most of their better players. Their defense will still be pretty good but it won't be dominant.
I think MSU would be easier than ND at a neutral site, but MSU on the road is probably a little tougher than ND at home. Their OL has question marks and their defense looks ordinary, but they still have the weapons to hurt us especially if the rebuilt OL performs well.
Some people believe the evidence pf Notre Dame's defensive improvment is more smoke than fire. Utah was deflated after the humiliating rout they received the week before, Army's offense was pitiful, USC had nothing to prove in an already wasted season and Miami's players wilted in the cold. So the theory goes. Aside from that, they stood up to punchless Boston College and Pittsburgh.
I think the jury is still out of the efficacy of their defense.
ND never wins a game, they just can't seem to lose them all
I'm not prepared to concede any of these games, but I have questions:
Was Michigan's defense horrific because the kids were undercoached and unprepared, or because of youth and injuries, or simply lack of talent compared to top tier B1G teams?
I'm guessing that it was a perfect storm of several factors, but playing a few games will help answer these questions.
I think Michigan's offense will be fine. But whether it will prove to be excellent against the best competition is another question that can't be answered until the B1G games start. It's my theory that the ND game will be tough, simply because it's coming so early in the season against a team that almost beat us last year, is now in its second season under new coaches, and we are in our first season. I'd expect a few game-disrupting mistakes.
By MSU, the team should be starting to feel more comfortable in their new roles. I honestly think the MSU win over Wiscy was kind of a one-shot for them last year, and they really didn't play anyone else (I'm including us in that "nobody" group because we really weren't very good) except Iowa and Alabama, and in both cases they got absolutely hammered. This should be a winnable game.
As everyone else has said, OSU still has great talent returning. But by that game, I think the team gels, and that the emotions carry the day. Michigan will be extremely motivated. OSU will be looking for some kind of crazy revenge as though we were responsible for their problems, but I don't see them having the kind of quarterbacking necessary to take advantage of their receiving talent, and I think we will be able to stop the run (please) this year. So I see us winning.
The most beatable is ND. Yes, we'll be trotting out new systems, but that's a good thing for the defense. The best thing is that ND will have little to scout that early in the year.
The next is MSU. I probably would have gone with them as most beatable except we play them in EL.
OSU will still be the toughest to beat. I assume Fickell will play Tresselball with inexperienced players on offense and the defense will still be monstrous.
All that being said I see all of these games being close.
...until I realize we're playing our first night game and damefan1 puts his foot in his mouth on youtube again.
Was lucky to have attended this game in person. That and knowing how it all turned out makes this meat(head) murder....sweet, delicious murder.
hahahaha I forgot about this douche nugget. Didn't he stop making videos after the MSU loss? I remember searching for him a few times and finding nothing.
The gem you see above was his last vid.
They have lots of new defensive starters this year and are as usual still somewhat stocked, but they're getting thin in a few spots like LB and any suspensions or injuries will quickly deplete their depth. I think cracks have been starting to appear in their defense kind of like UM circa 2007.
This is a tough question because well, sooo much could change between now and then. Before this offseason I would have had OSU solidly as the most difficult, but with the loss of Tressel and Pryor already they seem to be weakening. However, I can't say we're favored unless I see other players exit their lineup. Their defense is sure to take a slight step back, but let's be real, when you're losing seniors, etc. You have decent backups waiting in the wings, so don't expect drastic drop-offs.
Notre Dame APPEARS to be the most difficult right now, but don't forget that they are the only rival we've beaten the last two seasons so I can't sit here and say we are more likely to beat msu or osu, teams that have beaten us, next year. So here's my list:
Easiest to Most Difficult (as of now):
MSU
ND
OSU
I have MSU as most beatable and ND is least.
Looking at the current rosters of all three teams:
MSU is still the least loaded (compared to the other two) from a pure talent perspective. Plus, three straight wins may have them somewhat complacent against us, while our in-state kids will be hungry for that win against MSU.
OSU will likely be starting a freshman QB, but by the 12th game of the season, he will be much improved. Also, that freshman QB was one of the top QBs in the country and he has had a full year to redshirt and learn the offense. Second also, even if they lose a few more kids, OSU is simply loaded with talent - they will be starting upperclassmen at most positions, and highly-rated upperclassmen at that. I put them as more beatable than ND because of their potential for turmoil and the fact that Brax Miller is still a freshman.
ND. When Charlie Weis was there, he was a lights out recruiter, bringing in classes loaded with 4-5 star talent. That talent is largely still there, so Kelly will be fielding a VERY talented, deep and experienced team. Also, unlike Charlie, Kelly can flat out coach. ND looked way better in the second half of the season than it did in the first half. With another offseason under his belt, that team scares the hell out of me.
didn't redshirt, he is a true freshman. He did enroll early though and played in the spring game so that may be what you are thinking of.
The reason I beleive Notre Dame will be the most difficult is based on last years game and the fact that Nate Montana saw playing time and it was a close game. They have a decent defense as well but if Dayne Crist stays in the game and plays well Michigan could be in trouble.
After ND I would put Ohio State as the next toughest. They have been stacked on defense for years and that whole scheme will stay intact. The offense will stay mostly intact as well and if Miller is as good as they say by that time in the year he will be seasoned. If that kid gets hurt though they are in serious trouble and I think would have a hard time moving the ball being forced to rely too much on the run.
sparty to me is the easiest for a number of reasons. Cousins is not Dayne Crist and he lost his favorite target in in Gantt. They also lost their best CB in Rucker and (IMHO) the key to great a defense, two very good linebackers which will make it easier to run the ball. Without good LB's that can get side to side Denard could have a big day either running or throwing on bootlegs. Also you never know what player might be in jail at kickoff.
It's all a matter of opinion but I see sparty as the weakest because they lost some key guys and we have yet to see how well Dantonio can replace key talent. We know ND has a great passing game and Ohio State, unfortunately is always loaded with great talent.
Or at least, UM playing MSU on the road is tougher than beating ND at home. Brian wrote that Vegas had ND as a 6 point favorite and MSU as 7.5.
I tend to agree. The atmosphere of the first night game in AA should be pretty special and may affect the outcome. On a neutral field, ND may be a tougher game, but with the home/road situation - MSU is the tougher game.
As for OSU - who knows how the 2011 team will react and what the timing of everything will be come November. They could be beaten down or ramping up. Personally, I'd guess they won't be bigger than 6 point favorites at that point in the year.
Therefore I say: easiest: OSU. hardest: MSU. But all could go either way, obvs.
Most: Minn
Then: MSU
OSU
ND.
We have got to win the Little Brown Jug.
I think our players should all get temporary tattoos (Block M's) for the game. Don't say a word, just put 'em on, as an unspoken tribute to Pryor and the boys.
OSU. I don't care what anybody says. I don't think they are as stacked as some are proclaiming, their mojo is SHOT, it's on the road with a freshman QB, and Michigan will be absolutely on fire that day.
ND is too early in the schedule and I think we will still be working out some kinks. Even with it at home, I'm going to say that's the least likely win. MSU is on the road, they have experience than us, and they'll be fired up for what might be the last win vs. UM in the Dantonio era.
UM needs worry about getting past the BigTen bottom feeders first.
Three tough outs, I'm afraid. But I worry most about OSU. Miller replacing TP will be a blessing in disguise for them, especially once Miller has 10+ starts under his belt. He'll make mistakes. But he's a great athlete who's smarter than TP. OSU will protect Miller with its conservative offense, while its defense will remain pretty stout (if only for another year or two, when the sanctions take their toll).
OSU, ND, MSU.
from hardest win to easiest of the three in order.
MSU- its in east lansing, they are coming from a snubbed year where they should have played for roses. They have a stud at qb, and a solid back field. Their defense took a slight hit, but they will rebound well enough to be top 3 in big ten.
OSU- OSU is OSU. Honestly they won't be half as bad as some think, but still they won't be in top 3.
ND- its our night, f*ck Notre Dame. Denard will do dirty things for three hours.
Note* I said hardest wins. For the men in blue will come out victorious in all three throw downs.
Jones and Gordon were the heart and soul of their defense last year, that is more than a slight hit. Cousins is a good qb who has a tendency to make some pretty poor plays at times, calling him a stud is going a little too far. They weren't snubbed either, they did not belong in the Rose Bowl. I am just amazed how much credit people are giving to MSU, given the fact that they had a pretty easy schedule, beat one team of signficance (Wisky) and got massacred against Iowa and Alabama. Not to mention they lost alot on the o-line.
I would rank the teams in this order from most to least beatable:
1. MSU
2. ND
3. OSU
I think UM's has a decent to good shot against all three, and I think they beat 2/3.
from hardest win to easiest of the three in order.
MSU- its in east lansing, they are coming from a snubbed year where they should have played for roses. They have a stud at qb, and a solid back field. Their defense took a slight hit, but they will rebound well enough to be top 3 in big ten.
OSU- OSU is OSU. Honestly they won't be half as bad as some think, but still they won't be in top 3.
ND- its our night, f*ck Notre Dame. Denard will do dirty things for three hours.
Note* I said hardest wins. For the men in blue will come out victorious in all three throw downs.
is ALWAYS the most beatable of our three main rivals.
Let's be honest here... we aren't as good on paper as any of the three teams. That being said, I think they are all beatable. I once heard a very good High School coach say that you can only win one game a year on emotion. The rest must be won through preparation. Let's hope the OSU game is the emotion win, and the other two are won by out-smarting the arrogant pricks that coach those two slap-dick programs.
Basically, 2-1 would be great in a transition year (or, you know... 3-0 !!!).
that we swallow them whole. MSU, on the other hand, sees the handwriting on the wall (i.e. Michigan is coming back and, long-term, they are going down) that they fight like banshees and we have a tough time. ND: I am unnerved by everyone's sudden belief that they have a good coach, still unconvinced myself. A win over them goes a long way to Hoke exceeding expectations in his first season.
Come on everyone. This is really simple.
OSU: A+ offense, B+ defense, B special teams. A overall
MSU: A- offense, B defense, B+ special teams (all because of "Little Giants").B+ overall
ND: B+ offense, B defense, B special teams. B+ overall
Michigan: A- offense, B+ defense, B special teams. A- overall
The answer is right there. We'll beat MSU and ND and lose to OSU and their tattoos.
win %
michigan state- 65%
Notre Dame- 49.9%
Ohio- 40%
ND by a huge margin. That game could get ugly if things start going sideways. At best, the defenses should be even. That leaves a second year spread team with good personnel compared to a first-year WCO team that won't have had enough time to fully learn the offense. Add in ND having the last two games to motivate them, and I don't see Michigan winning against ND that early in the season.
They should pummel MSU, and TOSU could be close, but Michigan should pull it out. There's also the chance that if THE Ohio State University is reeling from the results of their investigation, they could be mailing the game in by the second half. That would work. I still remember the Heisman Pose game and TOSU fans leaving at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
I miss those days.
I will be happy to see Michigan lose to ND if they beat MSU and TOSU.
I think that Michigan will beat all three of them. However, for the sake of the question, I'll say Michigan State is most beatable and OSU is least beatable. I think MSU is the least talented of the bunch. OSU is probably better than ND even with the suspensions, but that being the first night game at the Big House, there is no way possible that we lose to Notre Dame.