week of the Ohio State football match

[Michchamp]

I am slowly realizing I should be fired up with anticipation, but keep coming back to fear and dread.

last time we won there was 2000. I was a jr. in college thinking to myself "why is this such a big rivalry again?" After that game, Ohio State fans set dumpsters on fire and rioted. Cooper was subsequently fired.

this is the first time since 2007 we've got something more to play for. but we're starting our backup QB.

We've got to overcome a lot to win this one.

Ohio St. is currently about 6 pt favorites.

 

[byco42]

I am optimistic. OSU is good but not great. As is Michigan. The OL needs to BLOCK PEOPLE. Somewhat nonplussed at the decline in effectiveness of the offensive front. No fear and dread here, unlike other, earlier games (like Iowa and MSU)

 

[thewolverines24]

I think our defense can keep it competitive, but if O'Korn plays anything like he did against IU, we are in deep shit on offense. It was glaringly obvious why Speight won the job.

We are going to have to force some turnovers to win. This isn't a strength of our defense as we are ranked 74th in turnovers gained this year. It would be nice to see Peppers pick off a pass for the first time in his career, but I'll take any type of turnover.

 

[Gulo Blue]

I am optimistic. OSU is good but not great. As is Michigan. The OL needs to BLOCK PEOPLE. Somewhat nonplussed at the decline in effectiveness of the offensive front. No fear and dread here, unlike other, earlier games (like Iowa and MSU)

I'm very worried about this. Indiana ran right through our OL. Some people on MGoBlog seems to think Speight might play, but if he's playing with an injured shoulder (non-throwing arm, prevailing theory) he needs a rock solid OL.

I feel like O'Korn didn't really have a chance to show what he's capable of.

Speight's ability to shed tacklers has been really impressive. He's deceptively good at it. He makes it look easy.

 

[Michchamp]

JT Barrett didn't have a great game last week either. The weather, esp. the wind, made throwing the ball difficult.

 

[Michchamp]

I'm very worried about this. Indiana ran right through our OL. Some people on MGoBlog seems to think Speight might play, but if he's playing with an injured shoulder (non-throwing arm, prevailing theory) he needs a rock solid OL.

I feel like O'Korn didn't really have a chance to show what he's capable of.

Speight's ability to shed tacklers has been really impressive. He's deceptively good at it. He makes it look easy.

Indiana ran for 64 yards on 36 attempts. I'll take that.

true that's the net yardage though. they actually ran for 111 yards, and lost 47 (I think -28 of lost yards were sacks). this could be the "risk/reward" aspect of Don Brown's defense working as it should.

Anyways, I posted the numbers because I don't remember IU's offense running all over us like you did. they moved the ball, but they're a good offense and I expected that. they couldn't move it enough on us to score more than twice. they only made it to the RZ twice all day (same as us) although we were able to score from outside it, thanks to much maligned De'veon Smith finally kicking ass.

 

[Michchamp]

I am optimistic. OSU is good but not great. As is Michigan. The OL needs to BLOCK PEOPLE. Somewhat nonplussed at the decline in effectiveness of the offensive front. No fear and dread here, unlike other, earlier games (like Iowa and MSU)

I think we can make JT Barrett make mistakes. If we can do that, we can survive. and for godsakes, I hope we can run the ball effectively against OSU for once. been a long time coming.

 

[UMRules06]

I am much more worried about stopping Weber and Samuel than JT. Barrett. They have both been outstanding. When Ohio St. has crushed us it's because they could run the ball at will. Last year Ezekiel Elliott beat us pretty much by himself. So that needs to be the priority first and foremost is stopping the run. Force Barrett into 3rd and longs, and yeah he may get a few, but he will also miss a few. Like others have said a turnover here or there would be great

On offense, it's the same idea. Run, run, and run. O'Korn clearly is not going to beat these guys throwing at this point. We have 4 relatively fresh runningbacks so find the guy who's working that day and ride him. Last week it was Smith. Maybe this week it will be somebody else.

Play disciplined and smart. This is the type of a game where a personal foul after stopping them on 3rd down is unacceptable *cough McCray*. Michigan can win.

 

[UMRules06]

Would also love to see them run something for McDoom that isn't a jet sweep. Harbaugh will have a few tricks ready.

 

[Michchamp]

and I don't understand why teams seem to protect the ball so well against us... IU had no turnovers all day, despite the conditions. they'd been averaging over 2/game all season prior to Saturday.

 

[tinselwolverine]

and I don't understand why teams seem to protect the ball so well against us... IU had no turnovers all day, despite the conditions. they'd been averaging over 2/game all season prior to Saturday.

Teams don't run very many plays against us.

When you don't give your opponent that many chances to turn the ball over by stopping them mostly on three and out, you limit your opportunity to force turnovers.

 

[jwlcosu]

I'll lay low on DSF the rest of the week, which has been my Michigan week pattern, but will say my greatest concern is the OSU defensive line of scrimmage where it's OSU's speed against Michigan's brawn. Speed often kills in the modern game but OSU hasn't consistently been getting the type of penetration its going to take to disrupt Michigan's power game. Without disruption Michigan may be running downhill in the second half. If Bucks are able to control Michigan ground game look for Harbaugh to try every wild ass trick he ever imagined.

 

[Gulo Blue]

Indiana ran for 64 yards on 36 attempts. I'll take that.

true that's the net yardage though. they actually ran for 111 yards, and lost 47 (I think -28 of lost yards were sacks). this could be the "risk/reward" aspect of Don Brown's defense working as it should.

Anyways, I posted the numbers because I don't remember IU's offense running all over us like you did. they moved the ball, but they're a good offense and I expected that. they couldn't move it enough on us to score more than twice. they only made it to the RZ twice all day (same as us) although we were able to score from outside it, thanks to much maligned De'veon Smith finally kicking ass.

I'm talking about their D. They ran through our OL to put pressure on O'Korn too much.

I wasn't talking about Indiana's offense at all.

 

[wlvrnstlr4life]

Indiana ran for 64 yards on 36 attempts. I'll take that.

true that's the net yardage though. they actually ran for 111 yards, and lost 47 (I think -28 of lost yards were sacks). this could be the "risk/reward" aspect of Don Brown's defense working as it should.

Anyways, I posted the numbers because I don't remember IU's offense running all over us like you did. they moved the ball, but they're a good offense and I expected that. they couldn't move it enough on us to score more than twice. they only made it to the RZ twice all day (same as us) although we were able to score from outside it, thanks to much maligned De'veon Smith finally kicking ass.

I think he was talking about IUs defense running through our OLine which they did for 3 quarters. That Ibwould agree with.

As far as this game is concerned, both teams are evenly match. We are better in some areas(and have more experience all around) and they are better in other areas. I think this game comes down to coaching and preparation. We have the tools to beat them. If OKorn starts then you use his abilities in the best way possible. In my judgement he wasnt given much of a chance this week with the weather and OLine/FBs/RBs protection. And again, where was the play calling this week? Mediocre at best. Again not using our strengths through the 1st 3 quarters. And I will ask again, where in the **** is the hitch pass to Chesson and Darboh? This play was used all last year and used to great effectiveness because of their speed and ability to shed the first tackler.

For those that dont know what a hitch pass is, it is when the qb throws the ball down the line of scrimmage(as soon as the ball is snapped) to the receiver and the 2 receivers in front of him block. Chesson used to get huge yardage with this play. I really hope the coaches insert this play back into our portfolio. Also, I think a couple of screens would be effective for those all out blitzes we've seen coming the last 2 weeks.

Sorry for the rant, I love this team very much, and I think it has the tools to win it all. I just want Harbaugh to let the dogs loose. Hold nothing back and leave it all out on the field and bury Ohio St.

 

[Michchamp]

I'm talking about their D. They ran through our OL to put pressure on O'Korn too much.

I wasn't talking about Indiana's offense at all.

oh. I see now. that explains why you were talking about our QB play in the same paragraph. figured you maybe just had too much coffee this morning.

 

[TheVictors]

I am optimistic. OSU is good but not great. As is Michigan. The OL needs to BLOCK PEOPLE. Somewhat nonplussed at the decline in effectiveness of the offensive front. No fear and dread here, unlike other, earlier games (like Iowa and MSU)

And both have been 'great' at home while struggling on the road. That's my fear - choosing between an injured starting QB who was on pace to be possible POY or a back up on the road in that hostile environment.

I was in A2 in 2011 for the last win and it was great!! I was in A2 in 2013 and was definitely in favor of going for two, but heartbroken. Then there was last year's bitter day ...cold as hell and on the way home by the end of the 3rd quarter.

I like being the underdog but don't like how we've played on the road (aside from in New Jersey).

 

[Michchamp]

we should've won in 2012. Dumbass Hoke & Co. blew that one.

2013... we probably should not have even been in that game, but goddamn Devin Gardner deserved it. Leading scoring drives with a broken bone in his foot?

too bad he didn't get a year playing under Harbaugh. would've liked to see how he developed.

 

[TheVictors]

[posted this in the IU game thread, but more suited for this new thread]

Last year was one of the worst football games I have attended, from the word go. The stadium never had any energy, it was cold as hell and osu kicked MICHIGAN's ass. 2013 was improbable, but goes to show you can throw out the records when it comes to The Game.

I just wish we were coming in with more confidence at QB because if osu gets up early on some BS turnover or special teams play, I see things ending badly (again).

 

[thewolverines24]

[posted this in the IU game thread, but more suited for this new thread]

Last year was one of the worst football games I have attended, from the word go. The stadium never had any energy, it was cold as hell and osu kicked MICHIGAN's ass. 2013 was improbable, but goes to show you can throw out the records when it comes to The Game.

I just wish we were coming in with more confidence at QB because if osu gets up early on some BS turnover or special teams play, I see things ending badly (again).

Michigan Stadium always has way too many OSU fans in it for The Game. The same does not apply when we go to Columbus. We go into a hostile environment every time, but we allow them to come into a friendly atmosphere.

 

[TheVictors]

Michigan Stadium always has way too many OSU fans in it for The Game. The same does not apply when we go to Columbus. We go into a hostile environment every time, but we allow them to come into a friendly atmosphere.

Being at 2011, 2013 & 2015 - the last three home games - I will say that last year the Red was more prolific than in 2011 when most stayed home because the team sucked, but yeah ....maybe we need to, as home fans, make threats of physical assault or simply assault the opposing fans?? Seems to work in columbus - I've been to two games there and will never go again.

Columbus is a shithole and the fans are utter garbage. At least those who come to A2 have to own a car and be able to read a map and make the effort, but the default loser in Columbus looking to harass anyone in Blue is a loser, has always been a loser and will always be a loser.