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2B - Saturday, November 4, 2006

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SATURDAI

The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com

The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com

7BALL SATURDA:

Saturday, November 4, 2006 - 7B


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2006 Michigan Schedule
Vanderbilt (Sept. 2), W 27-7: "Bend, don't break" can't be used
to describe the defense after this impressive performance.
Michigan allowed just 171 yards of total offense and sacked the
quarterback six times. Somewhere Jim Herrmann is crying.
Central Michigan (Sept. 9), W 41-17: Thunder and
lightning didn't stop the Wolverines from trouncing
the Chippewas at the Big House. Mike Hart ran all over
Central's D for three touchdowns, and LaMarr Woodley
picked up two sacks for the second straight week.
Notre Dame (Sept. 16), W 47-21: The Fighting Irish
came into this one with the national media singing their
praises, but it was Michigan who emerged victorious.
The Wolverines dominated every facet of the game.
Wisconsin (Sept. 23) W 27-13: Michigan took its
time in this one, toying with the Badgers and giving
them hope. Then Chad Henne, Mario Manningham
and the Michigan defense put the pedal to the metal
and buried Wisconsin, picking up revenge after last
season's heartbreaking loss at Camp Randall.
Minnesota (Sept. 30) W 28-14: In 2005, the Golden Gophers
stormed Michigan Stadium's turf and planted their flag
after beating the Wolverines. This year, Michigan took
back the Little Brown Jugwith a bit more class, marching
slowly toward the Minnesota sideline and celebrating as
a team. But it was just a spur of the moment type deal.
Michigan State (Oct. 7) W 31-13: After two straight years
of exciting finishes, this season's Michigan-Michigan
State match-up pretty much stunk. The Wolverines
proved they won't let an emotional rivalry game derail
their undefeated year. The Spartans proved they can't
control their emotions. Well done John L. Well done.

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Penn State (Oct.14) W 17-10: Everyonenknew Michigan's
defensive line was good. Knocking Penn State's
top two quarterbacks out of the game was simply
ridiculous. And once again, the Wolverines proved
their mettle playing in a hostile road environment.
Iowa (Oct.21) W 20-6: Give Iowa credit. The Hawkeyes
put up a valiant effort, but the Michigan defense was
too much for Tate and his cronies. Another game and
another victory for a Wolverine team on a mission.
Northwestern (Oct. 28) W 17-3: There was no reason
to expect this game tobe competitive, but on a cold,
windy and rainy day, the Wildcats put up a decent
fight. The Wolverines' stagnant offense struggled, but
Woodley and Co. were on their game, as always.
Ball State (Nov. 4): Please come. Please, please come. We
know Ball State sucks. But this is the last home game before
an undefeated Michigan team goes on the road. Showyour
true colors and send this team out in style. They deserve it.

FOOTBALL
SATURDAY

Indiana (Nov.11): We've been making fun of the Hoosiers
in this space all year. but it looks like we may hare
underestimated them. Indiana mauled Michigan State last
wek. ensuringJohn L. Smith's ouster as the Spartans' coach.
Suddenly, it looks as if that this could be a dangerous game.
Ohio State (Nov. 18): This could be the greatest
college football games ever. The best rivalry in
r college sports. Two (potentially) undefeated teams.
National Title hopes on the line. Two states on pins
and needles. We're excited. You should be, too.
FOOTBALL SATURDAY PRODUCTION CREW

STAFF PICKS
Predictions against the spread
for Nov. 4
Don't call us lazy for bringing
back our nation's first president.
We tried to get Patrick Stewart,
but he claimed he didn't know
enough about American football.
Ball State (+33) at No. ZMichigan
No. 1 Ohio State ('27) at Illinois
No.5 Louisoille (+1) at No. 3 West Virginia
Oklahoma State (+17) at No. 4 Texas
Arkansas State (+31.5) at No. 6 Auburn
No. 7 Florida (-17) at Vanderbilt
No.13 Louisiana State (-3)at No. 8Tennessee
No.9 Southern Cal (-29) at Stanford
UCLA (+17) at No.10 California
North Carolina (+27) at No. 11 Notre Dame
No. 12 Arkansas (-2.5) at South Carolioa
No.16 Boston Coll. (-4) at No.22 Wake Forest
Penn State (+7) at No. 17 Wisconsin
No. 18 Oklahoma (-3) at No. 21 Texas A&M
Maryland (+17) at No.19 Clemson
No. 20 Georgia Tech (-6) at N.C. State
No. 23 Virginia Tech (-2.5) at Miami
Washington (+14) at No. 24 Oregon
Arizona (-16.5) at No. 25 Washington State
Northwestern (+20) at lowa
Indiana (+6) at Minnesota
Purdue (+2.5) at Michigan State
Best Bet


Scott Matt
Bell Singer
Michigan Michigan
Ohio State Ohio State
Louisville West Virginia
Texas Texas
Auburn Auburn
Vanderbilt Vanderbilt

S

Tennessee
Stanford
UCLA
Notre Dame
South Carolina
Boston College
Wisconsin
Texas A&M
Maryland
Georgia Tech
Virginia Tech
Oregon
Washington State
Iowa
Minnesota
Purdue
Tennessee

Tennessee
Stanford
UCLA
North Carolina
Arkansas
Boston College
Wisconsin
Texas A&M
Clemson
Georgia Tech
Miami
Washington
Arizona
Northwestern
Minnesota
Purdue
Pordue

AL

Kevn
Wright
Ball State
Illinois
Louisville
Oklahoma Stale
Auburn
Vanderbilt
Tennessee
Stanford
California
Notre Dame
South Carolina
Boston College
Wisconsin
Texas A&M
Maryland
N.C. State
Virginia Tech
Washington
Arizona
Northwestern
Indiana
Michigan State
California

.iepname
Wright
Michigan
Ohio Stale
West Virginia
Texan
Auburn
Vanderbilt
Tennessee
Stanford
UCLA
Notre Dame
Arkansas
Boston College
Wisconsin
Texas A&M
Clemson
Georgia Tech
Virginia Tech
Washington
Washington State
Nothwestern
Minnesota
Purdue
Stanford

Ball State
Ohio State
West Virginia
Texas
Auburn
Vanderbilt
Louisiana State
Stanford
UCLA
North Carolina
Arkansas
Boston College
PennState
Texas A&M
Maryland
Georgia Tech
Miami
Washington
Washington State
Northwestern
Indiana
Purdue
Pen State

ScotBetl
Matt Singer
Kevin Wright
Stephanie Wright
onnoM.Fresard
Jack Herman
JeffreytBloomer
Alex Dziadosz
Mike Hulsebus
Mike Hulsebus
Rodrigo Gaya
Alexis Floyd
RobertChin
Ben Schrotenboer
DavidDai

FootbalWriters
Editor in Chief
ManagingSports Editor
Managing Editor
ManagingPhoto Editors
Cover
Cover Photo
Business Manager
DisplaySales Manager
Assoc. DisplaySales Manager
SpecialProject Manager

Specialthanks to:

LisaGentile, Bridget O'Donnell, GrandtRapids

tt-A

LinColn . ine s

DAILY SPORTS.
WHERE YOU
CAN ALWAYS
TALK FREELY
ABOUT NEEDING
TENDER HANDS
TO CARESS
THE BALLS.

BREAKDOWN - From page 3B
has had to sustain a constant aerial attack from
its opponents with the domination of the Wolver-
ine front seven in the trenches. Senior cornerback
Leon Hall has remained under the radar with
opposing quarterbacks shying away from his side
of the field - until last week. Northwestern's C.J.
Bacher continually tested Hall and got burned
when the Vista, Calif., native intercepted one of
his passes in the second half. Ball State presents
a unique challenge. Cardinal coach Brady Hoke
employs a two-quarterback system and switches
between Nate Davis and Joey Lynch. Both have
enjoyed relative success this season, combining
for 2,382 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. Still,
the Wolverines should be able to pressure either
quarterback, allowing the secondary to continue
playing aggressive football.
Edge: Michigan
Special teams
Carr raved about the Ball State special teams
unit in his press conference on Monday. He spe-
cifically pointed out punter Chris Miller and his
ability to boom the ball down the field. Miller is
averaging 45.6 yards per punt and has a longof 78.
Meanwhile, kicker Brian Jackson has put up just
as impressive numbers. He's converted 11-of-12
field goal attempts, including two from 52 yards
out. His performance earned him Mid-Ameri-
can Conference player of the week award this
past week. For Michigan, kicker Garrett Rivas is
enjoying his most consistent campaign as a Wol-
verine. Even though he had one attempt blocked

against Northwestern, he's still made 13-of-16
attempts and is on pace to become Michigan's
all-time leading scorer. And fan-favorite punter
Zoltan Mesko has improved his pooch punting
while still booming deep punts when called upon.
Even with Michigan's solid special teams play,
Ball State's squad boasts a more impressive unit.
Edge: Ball State
Intangibles
Tomorrow will be the last time Michigan's
seniors run out of the tunnel at the Big House, and
they won't want to leave with a loss. If that's not
motivation enough, the Wolverines have main-
tained their focus throughout the season. Ball
State, a middle-of-the-pack Mid-American Con-
ference team shouldn't put up much of a fight.
Edge: Michigan
No. 2 Michigan 31, Ball State 6
BALL STATE, PERHAPS
YOU'D FEEL MORE
COMFORTABLE PLAYING
ACROSS THE STREET.
AT PIONEER.
DAILY SPORTSO.

Freshman punter Zoltan Mesko has improved his pooch punting in the past weeks.

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