Yowza!!!
College Football Game Day
Predictions
Week 4 2012
College Football Game Day
Predictions
Week 4 2012
Bill over at BILL'S BIG 10 CORNER...what ya got this week???
Big 10 was 10-2 last week with only Michigan St and Indiana losing. Continuing with a lot of home games this week in preparation for conference play starting on Sept. 29.
Let’s look at my Big 10 power ratings:
1) Ohio St (3-0)
2) Michigan (2-1)
3) Nebraska (2-1)
4) Michigan St (2-1)
5) Northwestern (3-0)
6) Wisconsin (2-1)
7) Purdue (2-1)
8) Iowa (2-1)
9) Illinois (2-1)
10) Minnesota (3-0)
11) Penn St (1-2)
12) Indiana (2-1)
Let’s look at my Big 10 power ratings:
1) Ohio St (3-0)
2) Michigan (2-1)
3) Nebraska (2-1)
4) Michigan St (2-1)
5) Northwestern (3-0)
6) Wisconsin (2-1)
7) Purdue (2-1)
8) Iowa (2-1)
9) Illinois (2-1)
10) Minnesota (3-0)
11) Penn St (1-2)
12) Indiana (2-1)
Okay A'maize'n Blue of MICHIGAN is checking in with this big game...
#18 Michigan vs. #11 Notre Dame
Well I admit I took a week off from football last week…but the Wolverines didn’t! Michigan steam-rolled over UMass last week 63-13 (as they should have) in a brush up game getting ready to kick off the core of the season, and here it comes in the form of a visit to the Fighting Irish.
#11 Notre Dame, coming off a big win in a 20-3 upset over then-ranked #10 Michigan State, is seeking to start 4-0 for the first time since 2002, and the Wolverines will definitely give them a true-grit, down-to-the-wire game. How close can it get you may ask? The last 4 games have each been a come from behind, win by 4 victory in Michigan’s favor. The go ahead TD’s have been scored in the waning moments of the game…I’ve seen most of them, talk about your nail-biters!!
The Irish’s strength clearly lies with its defense. This D has only given up 30 points over its first 3 games… amazing! But, (yes there is a “but”) last week they lost an outstanding safety in Jamoris Slaughter when he tore his Achilles’ Tendon, abruptly ending his season. So, the true test for this Defense comes multi-faceted this week: Can they compensate for the loss of their top safety, and the even bigger question…can they stop Denard? They haven’t yet…
The Michigan offense finally looked to be putting it all together last week. Robinson put up 397 offensive yards last week, and while he may not reach that milestone again this week, he should reach another one. Denard needs just a paltry (for him) 191 yards to pass Chad Henne (9,400 yards) as Michigan’s all time offensive yards leader. He should have no issue this week putting up those numbers. That Fighting (or flopping) Irish defense may be good, but it’s never proven worthy enough to stop the Wolverines. Also taking a positive step last week was Fitz Toussaint, rushing for 85 yards and a score of his own. He needs to put up those numbers again this week for the Wolverine offense to be successful. It should happen, no, it will happen. The O-Line has been improving each week, they aren’t quite where they should be yet, but each week shows a definite improvement. If they take another step forward this weekend it should be a very good day in the Wolverine Nation.
Fact of the week: Michigan owns this rivalry series against Notre Dame with a record of 23-15-1. Bonus fact (in case you didn’t already know) Michigan not only owns this series, but they are, in fact, the all time wins leader in the NCAA at 897 wins!! (Do I hear an 8-9-8?)
Predictions:
What I would like to see: The Wolverine offense is clicking on all cylinders again and Robinson proves to be the Irish-killer. Denard racks up his 4th career 200 yard passing/200 yard rushing game and Michigan runs away with this one in the 4th quarter. Final score Michigan 38 – Notre Dame 21.
What we will most likely see: Like I stated above, a hard fought, down to the wire game, teams trading 3 and outs, turnovers, TD’s, a field goal or two, a big play here or there. In the end, history repeats itself. Denard hooks up with TE Funchess in the final minute of the game and Michigan takes 4 point lead to down the Irish, who fail on a desperation Hail Mary (no pun intended, well maybe a bit) from their own 45. Final score: Michigan 27 – Notre Dame 23.
Well I admit I took a week off from football last week…but the Wolverines didn’t! Michigan steam-rolled over UMass last week 63-13 (as they should have) in a brush up game getting ready to kick off the core of the season, and here it comes in the form of a visit to the Fighting Irish.
#11 Notre Dame, coming off a big win in a 20-3 upset over then-ranked #10 Michigan State, is seeking to start 4-0 for the first time since 2002, and the Wolverines will definitely give them a true-grit, down-to-the-wire game. How close can it get you may ask? The last 4 games have each been a come from behind, win by 4 victory in Michigan’s favor. The go ahead TD’s have been scored in the waning moments of the game…I’ve seen most of them, talk about your nail-biters!!
The Irish’s strength clearly lies with its defense. This D has only given up 30 points over its first 3 games… amazing! But, (yes there is a “but”) last week they lost an outstanding safety in Jamoris Slaughter when he tore his Achilles’ Tendon, abruptly ending his season. So, the true test for this Defense comes multi-faceted this week: Can they compensate for the loss of their top safety, and the even bigger question…can they stop Denard? They haven’t yet…
The Michigan offense finally looked to be putting it all together last week. Robinson put up 397 offensive yards last week, and while he may not reach that milestone again this week, he should reach another one. Denard needs just a paltry (for him) 191 yards to pass Chad Henne (9,400 yards) as Michigan’s all time offensive yards leader. He should have no issue this week putting up those numbers. That Fighting (or flopping) Irish defense may be good, but it’s never proven worthy enough to stop the Wolverines. Also taking a positive step last week was Fitz Toussaint, rushing for 85 yards and a score of his own. He needs to put up those numbers again this week for the Wolverine offense to be successful. It should happen, no, it will happen. The O-Line has been improving each week, they aren’t quite where they should be yet, but each week shows a definite improvement. If they take another step forward this weekend it should be a very good day in the Wolverine Nation.
Fact of the week: Michigan owns this rivalry series against Notre Dame with a record of 23-15-1. Bonus fact (in case you didn’t already know) Michigan not only owns this series, but they are, in fact, the all time wins leader in the NCAA at 897 wins!! (Do I hear an 8-9-8?)
Predictions:
What I would like to see: The Wolverine offense is clicking on all cylinders again and Robinson proves to be the Irish-killer. Denard racks up his 4th career 200 yard passing/200 yard rushing game and Michigan runs away with this one in the 4th quarter. Final score Michigan 38 – Notre Dame 21.
What we will most likely see: Like I stated above, a hard fought, down to the wire game, teams trading 3 and outs, turnovers, TD’s, a field goal or two, a big play here or there. In the end, history repeats itself. Denard hooks up with TE Funchess in the final minute of the game and Michigan takes 4 point lead to down the Irish, who fail on a desperation Hail Mary (no pun intended, well maybe a bit) from their own 45. Final score: Michigan 27 – Notre Dame 23.
Yo, Ace.......waz up with MINNESOTA this week?
This will be brief as I'm trying to pack for a trip. The Gophers will be without starting quarterback M Gray but the back up (some big red headed guy) is a much better passer, so I think the the Gophs will move the ball and squeak out a win and head to Iowa City 4-0 for the first time in a long time. sorry but I got boatin and fishin and a pretty girl on my mind!!
Angie's aside......AWWWWWWWWWWW:):)
Red 5 Standing By with the
UTAH UTES in the Pac 12, what's going on with this week's game....
Conference play begins for the Utes this weekend when travel to Tempe to play Arizona State. Utah has already been hard hit by injuries in losing their two best offensive players (QB Jordan Wynn and RB John White), although White may be able to play this weekend. ASU has a stout defensive front, and Utah might have a hard time running the ball. I expect a close game, and in a close game kickers matter. Unfortunately for the Utes, the kicking game leaves a lot to be desired. ASU 24, Utah 17.
Our TEXAS guy Bevo jr has some thoughts on this bye week for Texas....
Saw some real offensive upside in the BIG win over Ole Miss last Saturday nite, but the Horns “D” looks less than excited; got outran & poor tackling.
No game this week for the Longhorns. We’ll need the extra practice to get ready for High-octane Oklahoma St next weekend, followed by High scoring West Virginia after that, then followed by High-powered Oklahoma – WHEW! The Horns may shed some tears (and blood) during that 3 week siege.
Big 12 game to watch this week is Kansas St @ Okla. Home field advantage to the Sooners, 39 – 31. See ya next week….
HOOK ‘EM!
No game this week for the Longhorns. We’ll need the extra practice to get ready for High-octane Oklahoma St next weekend, followed by High scoring West Virginia after that, then followed by High-powered Oklahoma – WHEW! The Horns may shed some tears (and blood) during that 3 week siege.
Big 12 game to watch this week is Kansas St @ Okla. Home field advantage to the Sooners, 39 – 31. See ya next week….
HOOK ‘EM!
Black and Gold Girl has her say on this week's IOWA game....
I liked the offense we ran last week, and I hope we keep improving on it. As long as the O Line steps up and does what it's supposed to do, I think things will open up for our QB and allow him to make the big plays that lead to touchdowns. My prediction: Iowa, 17-3.
Hey, where's our Iowa guy Turnkey Tim??? He'll be checking in too....:):):)
