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2B - Football Saturday - November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008 - Football Saturday - 7B
2008 Michigan Schedule
Utah, L 23-25: Michigan was expected to have growing pains. And after a failed comeback
attempt, the Wolverines were on the wrong end of an opening game for the second year in a row.
Miami (Ohio), W 16-6: At least this game isn't against Oregon. Michigan should be able to win
against the average Mid-American Conference team or the Wolverines might really be in trouble.
at Notre Dame, L 17-35: With six turnovers, it looked like this could be one of
the sloppiest games the Wolverines would play. It was - for a week.
Wisconsin, W 27-25: The first half was terrible. The second half was inspiring. And though Threet
continued to improve, the Wolverines had no rhythm until their backs were against the wall.
Illinois, L45-20: It was an historic day for all the wrong reasons. Michigan allowed the most
points at home since 1991, and it was the Wolverines' worst Big Ten loss since 1968.
Toledo, L13-10: Well, there goes that perfect streak against Mid-American
Conference teams. No one saw that coming, even with a Michigan team like this.
at Penn State, L 46-17: Things were going great for Michigan early. Then everything collapsed.
The Wolverines were outscored 32-0 in the second half and lost for the first time in ten matchups.
Michigan State, L 35-21: You know how big brother lets little brother win every once in a while?
Well, little brother got his - for the first time in seven years. Not quite a changing of the guard.
at Purdue, L48-42: In a battle of Big Ten cellar dwellers, a last-minute hook-and-lateral
play put the final kibosh on Michigan's 33-year bowl streak. Home for the holidays.
at Minnesota W 29-6: That was quite a string of L's, the longest since 1967. The Jug will stay
in Ann Arbor until 2011. And where was that Nick Sheridan at the beginning of the season?
Martavious Odoms will fumble at least one kickoff. The Wolverines have slowly
improved their return game this season, but the predicted bad weather will bring out
the worst. Despite Odoms's strong performance at slot receiver against Minnesota
on Saturday, he still fumbled in the red zone.
Mike Massey will have his best game of the season. Rodriguez said Monday he
might start more seniors than usual this weekend. Massey will likely be one who
benefits. Playing instead of freshman tight end Kevin Koger, Massey will want to
make an impact in his last home game.
Michigan will win 21-13. The rain will keep the score low and the Wolverines won't
play as clean a game as last week, but they'll come out on top. It's about time they
started a winning streak.
The Wolverines haven't adjusted well to Michigan coach Rich 10
Rodriguez's offense. The seniors have had an especially time
dealing with the disappointment. And Rodriguez helped their
Senior Day opponent, Northwestern, learn its dynamic offen-
sive scheme. 10/18
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Threet will not play significant minutes. Threet hasn't fully re-
covered from the concussion he suffered against Purdue. While
he's certainly well enough to practice, the coaching staff knows
that concussions can be dangerous. Rodriguez and company
would rather that Threet have another week off, so don't expect
to see No.10 under center unless Nick Sheridan is really strug-
gling.
Carlos Brown will be back on the field. The junior running
back has been sidelined by an ankle injury since the Wisconsin
game. But he's been on the field in practice and looks healthy.
Rodriguez said Brown would play if he can get through practice
without limping. It looks like Brown is at that stage.
Michigan will win 23-14. It's all on the defense once again. The
4-2-5 was impressive last week, but Northwestern presents
its own set of tests. If Michigan keeps putting pressure on the
quarterback, Northwestern's offense will be held in check.
Junior defensive end Brandon Graham has gone from
playing on a high school team whose home field was
made of dirt to possibly bolting to the NFL a year early. But
when he's not delivering big hits, he's a "momma's boy"
who likes to cook and goes home almost every week.
Who will quarterback Michigan for most of the game? Which
running back will step up in junior Brandon Minor's likely
absence? Can the Wolverines win back-to-back games? Read
about where Michigan might have an edge.
11/ 15 Northwestern: It's always good to have a game against a doormat before facing Ohio
" " ' "State, right? But at 7-3, the Wildcats don't exactly look like a warmup anymore.
Redsnirt tresnman quarterback Steven Threet will play more than redshirt
sophomore Nick Sheridan. As well as Sheridan played at Minnesota, he's not that
good. His deficiencies will show against a Northwestern defense that frequently
gets to the quarterback. Threet will replace him early in the game.
Michigan defensive coordinator Scott Shafer will secure his job for next season.
The Wolverines' defense is in the midst of a disastrous year. The unit is just two
points shy of securing its worst scoring average ever for a season. But the 4-2-5
is exactly what this team needs, and Michigan will turn in back-to-back dominant
defensive performances for the first time this year.
Michigan will win 16-13. The Wolverines' 4-2-5 defense will keep them in the
game. And even though Michigan's offense has struggled in the red zone, fifth-year
senior kicker K.C. Lopata has returned to form.
Michigan has rotated left guards, quarterbacks, wide receivers
and tight ends all season, and the defense has moved to a new
scheme. Find out who will start in the Wolverines' final home
game.
11 22 at Ohio State: Michigan has lost four straight against the Buckeyes, and Ohio
I IfE State will be shooting for a prime BCS bowl bid. This could be ugly.
also.com Nov 15
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SCHUBER T The Magic Honp
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The student section will be as empty as it has been in recent memory. In the North-
western game two years ago, the Michigan Stadium crowd was the fewest 109,114
people I had ever seen. The rain and wind made for an uncomfortable day at the corner
of Stadium and Main. Those conditions will make for an equally empty bowl Saturday.
Freshman Michael Shaw will show he is just as good as freshman Sam McGuffie. So
far, Shaw has displayed flashes of his potential. A groin injury held him back, but he was
on par with McGuffie before the season. Now that his injury problems are behind him,
he will put on a show.
Michigan will win 20-16. In a wet, wild and freezing cold affair, the Wolverines will
finish their home schedule with a win and leave the "what if?" thought in the minds of
Michigan fans heading into next weekend.
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