Join me in naively looking ahead to the Michigan @ Minnesota match-up...

UP Wolverine

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Well, it goes without saying that week 7 didn't quite go as planned for the Michigan or Minnesota football programs.

Currently, coach Kill is receiving criticism from ESPN "pundits" while the Michigan faithful are eating their own. Undoubtedly, this week proved to be a major road-block for two teams that were seemingly trending upward.

Both teams teams benefit from a "bye" in week 8 before facing each other on Halloween night*. While I will admit that I haven't watched much Minnesota football this season, I do know that Coach Kill will have the team ready to face the Wolverines. After all, the Golden Gophers embarrassed the Wolverines in the Big House last season, which was the final straw on Brady Hoke's back. Michigan's roster for this 2015 season remains relatively unchanged from the 2014 debacle. However, this year a new man is in charge, and he has Michigan playing a little above expectations. While the Wolverines are coming into TCF with a 5-2 (2-1), Michigan's 2 losses are to #4 Utah and #7 Michigan State. While Harbaugh is not claiming any moral victories, Michigan played both teams competitively, and in the case of Michigan State, the game came down to a special teams blunder in the last 10 seconds of game.

However, while Michigan has been playing at a seemingly high level, Utah and Michigan State have shown just how to expose this Wolverine offense. In both games, Utah and Michigan State put 7-8 guys in the box to stop Deveon Smith and Michigan's Power-run game. While this leaves a lot of one-on-one match-ups on the outside, Ruddock has not shown the ability to take advantage of said match-ups so far.

I'll make no bones about it, Jake Ruddock is not a great quarterback. His inability to connect on a deep pass so far has been alarming and has led to Michigan leaving easy points on the field. In week one, Ruddock missed 2 wide-open receivers down the field that would have resulted in 14 points for the Wolverines and yesterday he missed Chesson on one of the later drives in the second half that would have resulted in 7 points as well. While most of the fan base is still holding out hope that he gets his deep passing game under control, we're going into week 8 and I think it's time to put those expectations aside.

Here are my way too early "Keys to victory"
for Michigan.

MICHIGAN
  • Get the run game going! - Ruddock has not shown the ability to take-over a game with his arm. If Michigan struggles in the run game, it could be a long night for the Wolverines.
  • Utilize the depth at the Tight-End position - A major bright spot for this Michigan offense has been the depth and skill of the Michigan tight-ends. Look for Butt, Buntin, and Williams to have good games in the short to intermediate passing game.
  • Special Teams - While it was Michigan's Special Teams that ultimately cost them the game against Michigan State yesterday, overall, they have been a major contributor to Michigan's success this season. Blake is perhaps the best Michigan punter since Zoltan Mesko and his ability to flip the field is unmatched. He had an 80 yard punt early in the Michigan State game.

As I get time this week to view some Minnesota games/highlights I will post my "Minnesota keys to victory" as well. If you have any questions about the Michigan team or anything Michigan football related I will do my best to give you honest answers/opinions. I will preface this discussion with the fact that I am just a nobody. A Michigan fan who watches WAY TOO MUCH football for his own good.

Here is the Michigan v Michigan State game in its entirety

Mgovideo.com is an awesome source for anything Michigan football related. There you can find full games, highlight videos, game analysis, coach/player interviews and even a really neat show called "Inside Michigan Football." Check it out if you have some time and want to do your own "scouting" for the Michigan game.

*What is the weather like on a typical Minneapolis, MN Halloween night? Girlfriend and I are making the trip to the game and want to make sure we pack appropriately. I assume it will be similar to what it is here in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. (as I sit here looking out the window watching the 2" of snow we got Friday night start to melt..)

Enjoy your week, everybody.

UP Wolverine
 

"While I will admit that I haven't watched much Minnesota football this season, I do know that Coach Kill will have the team ready to face the Wolverines. After all, the Golden Gophers embarrassed the Wolverines in the Big House last season"

If you had watched much Minnesota football this season, you might conclude "that was then, this is now."
 

Well, it goes without saying that week 7 didn't quite go as planned for the Michigan or Minnesota football programs.

Currently, coach Kill is receiving criticism from ESPN "pundits" while the Michigan faithful are eating their own. Undoubtedly, this was week proved to be a major road-block for two teams that were seemingly trending upward.

Both teams teams benefit from a week 8 "bye-week" before facing each other on Halloween night*. While I will admit that I haven't watched much Minnesota football this season, I do know that Coach Kill will have the team ready to face the Wolverines. After all, the Golden Gophers embarrassed the Wolverines in the Big House last season, which was the final straw on Brady Hoke's back. Michigan's roster for this 2015 season remains relatively unchanged from the 2014 debacle. However, this year a new man is in charge, and he has Michigan playing a little above expectations. While the Wolverines are coming into TCF with a 5-2 (2-1), Michigan's 2 losses are to #4 Utah and #7 Michigan State. While Harbaugh is not claiming any moral victories, Michigan played both teams competitively, and in the case of Michigan State, the game came down to a special teams blunder in the last 10 seconds of game.

However, while Michigan has been playing at a seemingly high level, Utah and Michigan State have shown just how to expose this Wolverine offense. In both games, Utah and Michigan State put 7-8 guys in the box to stop Deveon Smith and Michigan's Power-run game. While this leaves a lot of one-on-one match-ups on the outside, Ruddock has not shown the ability to take advantage of said match-ups so far.

I'll make no bones about it, Jake Ruddock is not a great quarterback. His inability to connect on a deep pass so far has been alarming and has led to Michigan being a 2-loss team rather than an undefeated one. In week one, Ruddock missed 2 wide-open receivers down the field that would have resulted in 14 points for the Wolverines and yesterday he missed Chesson on one of the later drives in the second half that would have resulted in 7 points as well. While most of the fan base is still holding out hope that he gets his deep passing game under control, we're going into week 8 and I think it's time to put those expectations aside.

Here are my way too early "Keys to victory"
for Michigan.

MICHIGAN
  • Get the run game going! - Ruddock has not shown the ability to take-over a game with his arm. If Michigan struggles in the run game, it could be a long night for the Wolverines.
  • Utilize the depth at the Tight-End position - A major bright spot for this Michigan offense has been the depth and skill of the Michigan tight-ends. Look for Butt, Buntin, and Williams to have good games in the short to intermediate passing games.
  • Special Teams - While it was Michigan's Special Teams that ultimately cost them the game against Michigan State yesterday, overall, they have been a major contributor to Michigan's success this season. Blake is perhaps the best Michigan punter since Zoltan Mesko and his ability to flip the field is unmatched. He had an 80 yard punt early in the Michigan State game.

As I get time this week to view some Minnesota games/highlights I will post my "Minnesota keys to victory" as well. If you have any questions about the Michigan team or anything Michigan football related I will do my best to give you honest answers/opinions. I will preface this discussion with the fact that I am just a nobody. A Michigan fan who watches WAY TOO MUCH football for his own good.

Here is the Michigan v Michigan State game in its entirety

Mgovideo.com is an awesome source for anything Michigan related football. There you can find full games, highlight videos, game analysis, coach/player interviews and even a really neat show called "Inside Michigan Football." Check it out if you have some time and want to do your own "scouting" for the Michigan game.

*What is the weather like on a typical Minneapolis, MN Halloween night? Girlfriend and I are making the trip to the game and want to make sure we pack appropriately. I assume it will be similar to what it is here in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. (as I sit here looking out the window watching the 2" of snow we got Friday night start to melt..)

Enjoy your week, everybody.

UP Wolverine

Unfortunately for us, if there was ever a time when Ruddock plays his best game and hits those open receivers down field rather than over/under throwing them, it will be on Halloween. Why? Because we're cursed.
 


Gophers match up much better against a non-running QB
 


Unfortunately for us, if there was ever a time where Ruddock plays his best game and hits those open receivers down field rather than over/under throwing them, it will be on Halloween. Why? We're cursed.

You know what's funny? On a Michigan forum last night we were discussing how we all thought we were cursed as well.

  • Appalachian State - blocked field goal for major upset loss
  • Toledo - 2 Kickoff returns for a touchdown for a major upset loss
  • Colorado - 60 yard hail-mary for upset loss
  • Chris Webber - Infamous technical foul time-out to end National Championship hopes.
There were like 10 other points we had on that list as well, but I will stop there because I don't want to kill my current Sunday vibe...:cry:
 


You know what's funny? On a Michigan forum last night we were discussing how we all thought we were cursed as well.

  • Appalachian State - blocked field goal for major upset loss
  • Toledo - 2 Kickoff returns for a touchdown for a major upset loss
  • Colorado - 60 yard hail-mary for upset loss
  • Chris Webber - Infamous technical foul time-out to end National Championship hopes.
There were like 10 other points we had on that list as well, but I will stop there because I don't want to kill my current Sunday vibe...:cry:

That right there already puts you way ahead of us.
 

Gophers match up much better against a non-running QB

While Ruddock does have 3 rushing touchdowns, he is definitely not considered a dual-threat QB. He has a little under 100 yards rushing on the season. While the coaches used a couple zone reads against Northwestern (which Ruddock read beautifully), most of his rushing yards come from scrambling when the protection breaks down.
 



If your strength is a power running game, I have a feeling you guys are going to run all over us. Our defense is not great in that area.
 

If your strength is a power running game, I have a feeling you guys are going to run all over us. Our defense is not great in that area.

Harbaugh and co definitely look to set up the pass by forcing the opposing team to stop the run, but if the run game gets going he's not against calling 40 run plays a game.

Here are the highlights of the Oregon State game. This game did not start well for Michigan, as Oregon State drove the length of the field and scored a TD on the first possession of the game. However, Michigan stuck with the run game and ended up wearing down the OSUw defense. While Deveon Smith may not be the fastest running-back on the roster, he is the hardest running running-back Michigan has had since Mike Hart.

Here are the highlights of the BYU game. This includes Smith's monster run, which you have to see to believe. Man this was an awesome game to be at.
 

Daveon smith reminds me of David Cobb

What happened to Green?
 

Daveon smith reminds me of David Cobb

What happened to Green
?

You know what? That's a really good question. I think it all stems from him coming into camp his freshman year out of shape at nearly 250lbs. Seems as if his speed is yet to recover from that, and he has never really been known for his powerful running. It's unfortunate, really. We were all really excited about him when he first committed. I'd say the writing is on the wall that he will probably never be a major contributor for the Wolverines, especially since True-Freshman Higdon is receiving carries over him now.

Higdon, I believe, will turn into a pretty good back. He has the speed and mobility to make people miss, something that Michigan hasn't had in a while at the RB position.

Also, it's important to note that Jabrill Peppers lined up in both the backfield and at slot yesterday. With just 2 touches he had over 30 yards on offense. Add this to his 50 yard kick return, 25 yard punt return and tough play in the secondary, this KID* has the potential to be something truly special.

*Jabrill is a redshirt-freshman.
 



If the Gophers can't run against the Wolves - and they probably won't be able to - they'll lose badly. On the other hand, it's Halloween...
 

If the Gophers can't run against the Wolves - and they probably won't be able to - they'll lose badly. On the other hand, it's Halloween...

Michigan has given up 100+ yards once this season, and that was in the season opener against Utah (127 yards).

Conversely, Michigan has rushed for 200+ yards in 4 games (OSUw, UNLV, BYU, and Maryland.) They also had 180 yards against Northwestern. However, against 2 of the better defenses they have faced this season (Utah and Michigan State), Michigan has failed to rush for 100+ yards (76 and 62 yards respectively).

This will definitely be physical/old school match-up. I'm looking to see who can own the line of scrimmage, as that will be the ultimate factor that decides the game.
 

Good Luck UP Wolverine. We are at home, it will be a great atmosphere, and if we catch a couple breaks I think it will be a great game to watch as well. I'll be there in my lady bug costume having a blast.
 

Michigan's offensive line is fricken nasty, and they are HUGE. I saw the graphic during the game yesterday, when they were in their jumbo package at the MSU 2 yard line, the eight players they had lined up to block weighed a combined 2,315 pounds. Dang. That's some serious beef.
 

Good Luck UP Wolverine. We are at home, it will be a great atmosphere, and if we catch a couple breaks I think it will be a great game to watch as well. I'll be there in my lady bug costume having a blast.

I fee like this should be emphasized more, especially with how poorly Michigan has played on the road during the past few years. Michigan is 6-12 on the road since 2012. This year, Michigan is 1-1 on the road, losing to Utah in the season opener and winning against Maryland which was pretty much another home game for Michigan due to the sheer number of UofM fans in attendance. Interestingly enough, Michigan was only up by 6 at the half against a very poor Maryland team, before finding their groove in the second half and rolling to a 28-0 victory.
 

Well, since we have 2 weeks before we play, that means we probably have time for about 4 more starters to get injured in practice. < / sarcasm> < / notreally> But really, what we need to happen is for everyone to get healthy for us. I'm talking about the OL, Travis, Boddy-Mde Maka Ska, and Poock. Getting one of our two TEs back would be a bonus but sounds like will not happen. We came into the TCU game injured in mid-season form, and it's hurt us badly. If we can get relatively healthy then just maybe we have a chance.

We have made a lot of strides on defense the last few years, but one very concerning area is we tend to get gashed easily right up the middle. This is the area I would look to exploit if I were Michigan. I expect our pass defense to rebound somewhat after an embarrassing performance yesterday. Don't know there is much hope for our offense unless our OL can rebound and have a great game. My prediction right now would be 24-9 Michigan victory.
 

Michigan's offensive line is fricken nasty, and they are HUGE. I saw the graphic during the game yesterday, when they were in their jumbo package at the MSU 2 yard line, the eight players they had lined up to block weighed a combined 2,315 pounds. Dang. That's some serious beef.

It appears that Michigan's O-Line is finally starting to gel under the tutelage of Coach Drevno.

Michigan's O-Line consists of
  • LT - True Soph. Mason Cole (6'5, 287#)
  • LG- Senior Ben Braden (6'6, 331#)
  • C - 5th Yr Graham Glasgow (6'6, 303#)
  • RG- Senior Kyle Kalis (6'5, 300#)
  • RT - Senior Erik Magnuson (6'6, 300#)

Michigan State ran a bunch of stunts and twists which seemed to clog the offensive line at the point of attack. This is one way MSU was able to slow Michigan's rushing attack. However, MSU has one of the best DLs in the conference with Calhoun and McDowell anchoring the unit.
 

It appears that Michigan's O-Line is finally starting to gel under the tutelage of Coach Drevno.

Michigan's O-Line consists of
  • LT - True Soph. Mason Cole (6'5, 287#)
  • LG- Senior Ben Braden (6'6, 331#)
  • C - 5th Yr Graham Glasgow (6'6, 303#)
  • RG- Senior Kyle Kalis (6'5, 300#)
  • RT - Senior Erik Magnuson (6'6, 300#)

Michigan State ran a bunch of stunts and twists which seemed to clog the offensive line at the point of attack. This is one way MSU was able to slow Michigan's rushing attack. However, MSU has one of the best DLs in the conference with Calhoun and McDowell anchoring the unit.

I forgot to mention that TE A.J Williams (6'6, 285#) is almost always in the game on running downs as well. Great blocker with surprising good hands.
 



Dear UM fans, please do not laugh at our qb.

UofM fans.

Cut ML7 a break. He played well yesterday. It won't be his last good game. Yeah, there will be some clunkers too. Enjoy them when you can.
 

Anyone have an way too early score predictions? I know Minnesota has been dealing with some injuries, so it will ultimately depend on who gets healthy before the game.

As of now, Michigan has remained relatively healthy. Unfortunately, Michigan's lone significant injury this season was of the career-ending variety for one of their best pass-rushers, Mario Ojemudia. Royce Jenkins-Stone has filled in nicely and there has been no noticeable drop in production from the BUCK position.

Smith and Johnson have been suffering from nagging ankle injuries, but they should be 100% by the time Halloween rolls around.
 

lady bug costume?

Good Luck UP Wolverine. We are at home, it will be a great atmosphere, and if we catch a couple breaks I think it will be a great game to watch as well. I'll be there in my lady bug costume having a blast.

Lady bug costumes, only women and kids would wear that so I would stereotypically think? Spoofin I thought you were a dude since you seem to know quite a bit about football. I mean I know Gopherlady knows a lot about football and MirandaB, and more women do now, but there don't seem to be that many female fans that know football or post here. Just surprised you would already let the cat out of the bag on costume selection.
 

Fun facts about the Wolverines:
1. Largest member of the weasel family
2. Kind of look like skunks
3. Remind me of another funny looking animal we see each year
4. Will be favored to win by a lot
5. Pay their coach $7 million
6. Seem to like to bait Gopher fans
 

Fun facts about the Wolverines:
1. Largest member of the weasel family
2. Kind of look like skunks
3. Remind me of another funny looking animal we see each year
4. Will be favored to win by a lot
5. Pay their coach $7 million
6. Seem to like to bait Gopher fans

No baiting here. If you ventured over to my prior posts you would find nothing but respectful dialogue from me towards Gopher fans. Even with the number of posts denouncing Michigan as scUM, and hearing how much everyone enjoys seeing the Michigan fan base suffer.

I am proud of the Michigan program and find no need delve into pointless banter/trash talk. That adds nothing significant/meaningful to the fan experience.
 

Lady bug costumes, only women and kids would wear that so I would stereotypically think? Spoofin I thought you were a dude since you seem to know quite a bit about football. I mean I know Gopherlady knows a lot about football and MirandaB, and more women do now, but there don't seem to be that many female fans that know football or post here. <b>Just surprised you would already let the cat out of the bag on costume selection.</b>

Yes, I must admit I was worried about releasing my costume choice so far ahead of time. Sleepless nights await me worried about hundreds if not thousands of lady bugs now populating TCF Stadium on 10/31.
 

Yes, I must admit I was worried about releasing my costume choice so far ahead of time. Sleepless nights await me worried about hundreds if not thousands of lady bugs now populating TCF Stadium on 10/31.

Damn,may have to rethink my aphid costume now...
 




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