Michigan

[bdroc]

Michigan is 1st in the BiG in rushing offense and PSU is 9th in rushing defense. IMO this isn't a great matchup, especially since Mustipher is out. The DL took another hit with Luketta out yesterday. Hopefully he can return and give us a chance next week.

Every game is big but PSU dug themselves a hole with 3 consecutive losses. This game is probably the difference between a 7-5 season & the Pinstripe Bowl and an 8-4 season with a bowl game in Florida. I sure would be nice if Clifford could run but I don't think that's in the cards. He did have a 4 yard run for a 1st down yesterday but only because he was able to avoid getting hit.

 

[psuno1]

All hands on deck to stop the run, hopefully Luketta can play and move Tarburton to DT more often to stop the run.

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

Michigan is 1st in the BiG in rushing offense and PSU is 9th in rushing defense. IMO this isn't a great matchup, especially since Mustipher is out. The DL took another hit with Luketta out yesterday. Hopefully he can return and give us a chance next week.

Every game is big but PSU dug themselves a hole with 3 consecutive losses. This game is probably the difference between a 7-5 season & the Pinstripe Bowl and an 8-4 season with a bowl game in Florida. I sure would be nice if Clifford could run but I don't think that's in the cards. He did have a 4 yard run for a 1st down yesterday but only because he was able to avoid getting hit.

8-4 is possible??? I'm pretty sure 9-3 is still possible genius.

 

[Obliviax]

Well, one issue is that our pass defense is so good. I’d put or two safeties and corners against any in the nation. So teams like Wisconsin auburn Illinois Ohio state Iowa run the ball more than throw.

other than Illinois, where we didn’t adjust to 7OL and 2TEs ( and still only gave up ten points) our run game defense has done the job

 

[Jerry]

Well, one issue is that our pass defense is so good. I’d put or two safeties and corners against any in the nation. So teams like Wisconsin auburn Illinois Ohio state Iowa run the ball more than throw.

other than Illinois, where we didn’t adjust to 7OL and 2TEs ( and still only gave up ten points) our run game defense has done the job

The secondary looked to be very strong coming in, and that has proved out big-time.

The loss of Mustipher has hurt a lot, but the D is still very good. It held up against Maryland yesterday and has played well enough to win every game...to include Ohio State.

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

The secondary looked to be very strong coming in, and that has proved out big-time.

The loss of Mustipher has hurt a lot, but the D is still very good. It held up against Maryland yesterday and has played well enough to win every game...to include Ohio State.

Mustipher not the only loss, we've lost 4 2-deep DL(3 starters I believe) for the season since preseason practice and 40 wasn't playing this weekend! Our DL has been absolutely decimated this year (and long before Iowa game) and the numbers the D has put up despite these losses to injury have been pretty remarkable imho.

 

[KnightWhoSaysNit]

Maryland is not a pound it running team. They are a spread team, so we matched up better.

OSU, to my eye, looked rather slow in the running game compared to their norm. That's not a good comparison game.

Illinois was an eye-opener. If that was systemic and not an indication of just a team playing flat, then we are in trouble this week.

Michigan is a running team. We are not. I see us starting slow but keeping it close until late. Then Michigan pulls away. We are not deep enough in the front 7 on defense.

Logic aside, you never know what kind of Franklin team will show up. They seem to play on emotion, like Franklin himself. Michigan will be viewed as a big game, at home, so maybe we need to throw reason out the window. Maybe it becomes an upset win.

But my bet has to be on Michigan .... because .... this is an early game. It will be chilly and possibly wet. Students will be just getting out of bed. The stadium won't provide the energy that this team needs. I would think differently if it was a night game in warm weather, with a championship on the line.

Michigan has much more at stake.

 

[bvillebaron]

Maryland is not a pound it running team. They are a spread team, so we matched up better.

OSU, to my eye, looked rather slow in the running game compared to their norm. That's not a good comparison game.

Illinois was an eye-opener. If that was systemic and not an indication of just a team playing flat, then we are in trouble this week.

Michigan is a running team. We are not. I see us starting slow but keeping it close until late. Then Michigan pulls away. We are not deep enough in the front 7 on defense.

Logic aside, you never know what kind of Franklin team will show up. They seem to play on emotion, like Franklin himself. Michigan will be viewed as a big game, at home, so maybe we need to throw reason out the window. Maybe it becomes an upset win.

But my bet has to be on Michigan .... because .... this is an early game. It will be chilly and possibly wet. Students will be just getting out of bed. The stadium won't provide the energy that this team needs. I would think differently if it was a night game in warm weather, with a championship on the line.

Michigan has much more at stake.

Thanks for the post. Now none of us have to watch. Ever occur to you that OSU’s running game looked slower than normal because of PSU’s defense? Numerous posters on here were claiming that the OSU freshman RB was going to have a field day.

 

[BUCKSCOUNTYLION]

Michigan RB Corum was injured last night as is their 3rd string RB....they have depth issues behind Haskins right now.

 

[NittanyIllinois]

Thanks for the post. Now none of us have to watch. Ever occur to you that OSU’s running game looked slower than normal because of PSU’s defense? Numerous posters on here were claiming that the OSU freshman RB was going to have a field day.

OSU has serious run blocking issues. They have 4 OTs on their OL to get their most talented dudes on the field. Good for pass protection, but not so much for run blocking.

Nebraska played OSU's run game even tougher than we did. And actually got pressure on Stroud, which we rarely did.

I honestly came away from the OSU game thinking our defense was lights out and best in the Big Ten. It may still be. But watching Nebraska yesterday, I think OSU is in a bit of a funk now and it's hard to tell how much of that is because of how good our defense is vs. how much they're struggling with OL issues.

Still.....defense is good enough to keep us in every game from here on out. 9-3 is within reach but probably not likely, IMO. 8-4 would be my pick.

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

Thanks for the post. Now none of us have to watch. Ever occur to you that OSU’s running game looked slower than normal because of PSU’s defense? Numerous posters on here were claiming that the OSU freshman RB was going to have a field day.

The funniest part of his post is that he ignores the fact that duhO$U has the #1 Rushing Attack in b1g ranked by YPC (Yards Per Carry), which is the true absolute measure of the quality of your rushing attack - they came into PSU game averaging 5.8 YPC (after this weekend they currently average 5.7 YPC, still #1 in b1g, MeatChicken #3 behind duhO$U and MSU) and PSU held duhO$U well under their season average at 4.7 YPC (161 yards on 34 carries). So again, using the best measure of a running attack - Yards Per Attempt - duhO$U has the best rushing attack in b1g and PSU did pretty well against them and certainly contained their running attack well enough to win (and PSU was playing @OSU, while MeatChicken is at the Beav which makes a huge difference).

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

OSU has serious run blocking issues. They have 4 OTs on their OL to get their most talented dudes on the field. Good for pass protection, but not so much for run blocking.

Nebraska played OSU's run game even tougher than we did. And actually got pressure on Stroud, which we rarely did.

I honestly came away from the OSU game thinking our defense was lights out and best in the Big Ten. It may still be. But watching Nebraska yesterday, I think OSU is in a bit of a funk now and it's hard to tell how much of that is because of how good our defense is vs. how much they're struggling with OL issues.

Still.....defense is good enough to keep us in every game from here on out. 9-3 is within reach but probably not likely, IMO. 8-4 would be my pick.

Really? duhO$U has the #1 Rushing Attack in the b1g using the best, most objective, absolute measure of such a thing at 5.7 YPC. (MeatChicken is #3 @ 5.3 YPC - MSU is #2 @ 5.4 YPC).

 

[The Spin Meister]

Michigan is 1st in the BiG in rushing offense and PSU is 9th in rushing defense. IMO this isn't a great matchup, especially since Mustipher is out. The DL took another hit with Luketta out yesterday. Hopefully he can return and give us a chance next week.

Every game is big but PSU dug themselves a hole with 3 consecutive losses. This game is probably the difference between a 7-5 season & the Pinstripe Bowl and an 8-4 season with a bowl game in Florida. I sure would be nice if Clifford could run but I don't think that's in the cards. He did have a 4 yard run for a 1st down yesterday but only because he was able to avoid getting hit.

Not at all worried about our D. They have been stout all season in spite of predictions that Wisky would run all over us. That Auburn would fly past us. That OSU would pulverize us.

Tell me how our offense matches up with their D. That is the question of the week. Can the O line protect Clifford and give him time? Will our ace receivers continue to get open? Will the TEs show up or disappear again? And will we ever get a running game?

 

[wolve1972]

Not at all worried about our D. They have been stout all season in spite of predictions that Wisky would run all over us. That Auburn would fly past us. That OSU would pulverize us.

Tell me how our offense matches up with their D. That is the question of the week. Can the O line protect Clifford and give him time? Will our ace receivers continue to get open? Will the TEs show up or disappear again? And will we ever get a running game?

Agree. I think the key to PSU winning is moving the ball on offense against the Michigan defense. PSU needs to generate some kind of running attack in the game - plain and simple. Oh, and keep Clifford upright and healthy

 

[McCloudersportLion]

8-4 is possible??? I'm pretty sure 9-3 is still possible genius.

@rutgersal is not gonna be fughen aroun after that bathroom cheeze bomb yesterday against Wisconsin

 

[McCloudersportLion]

Agree. I think the key to PSU winning is moving the ball on offense against the Michigan defense. PSU needs to generate some kind of running attack in the game - plain and simple. Oh, and keep Clifford upright and healthy

You are a tri or possibly quad confused guy but hopefully the BIG thing will be keeping the SatchSquatchMo DE's Michigan has from blowing it awl up and giving their boring 2 qb goofer offensive system more oppurtunity than they deserve. Do that and PSU can chew UM up awl day passing and Clifford scrampled lamb chopping it in bursts on the run.

 

[ga.lion]

Michigan is 1st in the BiG in rushing offense and PSU is 9th in rushing defense. IMO this isn't a great matchup, especially since Mustipher is out. The DL took another hit with Luketta out yesterday. Hopefully he can return and give us a chance next week.

Every game is big but PSU dug themselves a hole with 3 consecutive losses. This game is probably the difference between a 7-5 season & the Pinstripe Bowl and an 8-4 season with a bowl game in Florida. I sure would be nice if Clifford could run but I don't think that's in the cards. He did have a 4 yard run for a 1st down yesterday but only because he was able to avoid getting hit.

Not worried about the defense. Team speed is good and LB’s are quality. Just need to put up 27 points and a W is on the way....

 

[KnightWhoSaysNit]

The funniest part of his post is that he ignores the fact that duhO$U has the #1 Rushing Attack in b1g ranked by YPC (Yards Per Carry), which is the true absolute measure of the quality of your rushing attack - they came into PSU game averaging 5.8 YPC (after this weekend they currently average 5.7 YPC, still #1 in b1g, MeatChicken #3 behind duhO$U and MSU) and PSU held duhO$U well under their season average at 4.7 YPC (161 yards on 34 carries). So again, using the best measure of a running attack - Yards Per Attempt - duhO$U has the best rushing attack in b1g and PSU did pretty well against them and certainly contained their running attack well enough to win (and PSU was playing @OSU, while MeatChicken is at the Beav which makes a huge difference).

Thanks for the post. Now none of us have to watch. Ever occur to you that OSU’s running game looked slower than normal because of PSU’s defense? Numerous posters on here were claiming that the OSU freshman RB was going to have a field day.

It was a qualitative observation with regard to OSU's speed at getting to the hole, which I thought was slow relative to their play in the past.

And I've watched every PSU game so I know we have defensive speed.

Bushwood, you get stuck on statistics. You split hairs over what is statistically insignificant, especially given that teams have played different schedules and the season is only half over. Moreover, every game is about individual matchups, and how coaches decide to play OSU in particular.

Did it ever occur to you that maybe OSU has good run statistics because they've run up stats with big leads against weak teams, or that maybe defenses had to play more for the deep passing threat that OSU has with its star receivers, thus making them less focused on the run?

Our DBs could run with the OSU receivers, so we were able to put more focus on stopping the run. But that has nothing to do with what I observed in the OSU offensive backfield. They will get bigger and faster compared to this year.

 

[psuguy43]

Michigan is 1st in the BiG in rushing offense and PSU is 9th in rushing defense. IMO this isn't a great matchup, especially since Mustipher is out. The DL took another hit with Luketta out yesterday. Hopefully he can return and give us a chance next week.

Every game is big but PSU dug themselves a hole with 3 consecutive losses. This game is probably the difference between a 7-5 season & the Pinstripe Bowl and an 8-4 season with a bowl game in Florida. I sure would be nice if Clifford could run but I don't think that's in the cards. He did have a 4 yard run for a 1st down yesterday but only because he was able to avoid getting hit.

I think we are much more likely to beat Michigan State than Michigan, the matchups are better. I predict is split between the two Michigan teams. 8-4

 

[bvillebaron]

It was a qualitative observation with regard to OSU's speed at getting to the hole, which I thought was slow relative to their play in the past.

And I've watched every PSU game so I know we have defensive speed.

Bushwood, you get stuck on statistics. You split hairs over what is statistically insignificant, especially given that teams have played different schedules and the season is only half over. Moreover, every game is about individual matchups, and how coaches decide to play OSU in particular.

Did it ever occur to you that maybe OSU has good run statistics because they've run up stats with big leads against weak teams, or that maybe defenses had to play more for the deep passing threat that OSU has with its star receivers, thus making them less focused on the run?

Our DBs could run with the OSU receivers, so we were able to put more focus on stopping the run. But that has nothing to do with what I observed in the OSU offensive backfield. They will get bigger and faster compared to this year.

My guess is that Michigan also didn’t put up gaudy rushing numbers against good defenses either. Michigan’s passing offense is nowhere close to OSU’s.

 

[TheGLOV]

Michigan is 1st in the BiG in rushing offense and PSU is 9th in rushing defense. IMO this isn't a great matchup, especially since Mustipher is out. The DL took another hit with Luketta out yesterday. Hopefully he can return and give us a chance next week.

Every game is big but PSU dug themselves a hole with 3 consecutive losses. This game is probably the difference between a 7-5 season & the Pinstripe Bowl and an 8-4 season with a bowl game in Florida. I sure would be nice if Clifford could run but I don't think that's in the cards. He did have a 4 yard run for a 1st down yesterday but only because he was able to avoid getting hit.

Michigan hasn't played anybody like us!

We can take'em!!!

 

[psuro]

No reason. Just enjoy this parody.

 

[The Spin Meister]

No reason. Just enjoy this parody.

View embedded media

That’s funny. Well done. But you could do that for any major school with that creative editing.

 

[psuro]

That’s funny. Well done. But you could do that for any major school with that creative editing.

Are you familiar with the “Pure Michigan” adverts to encourage travel to the state. It’s one of a series of spoofs based on that advert.

 

[The Spin Meister]

Are you familiar with the “Pure Michigan” adverts to encourage travel to the state. It’s one of a series of spoofs based on that advert.

Yep, can’t help but seeing them.

 

[tullfan68]

Maryland is not a pound it running team. They are a spread team, so we matched up better.

OSU, to my eye, looked rather slow in the running game compared to their norm. That's not a good comparison game.

Illinois was an eye-opener. If that was systemic and not an indication of just a team playing flat, then we are in trouble this week.

Michigan is a running team. We are not. I see us starting slow but keeping it close until late. Then Michigan pulls away. We are not deep enough in the front 7 on defense.

Logic aside, you never know what kind of Franklin team will show up. They seem to play on emotion, like Franklin himself. Michigan will be viewed as a big game, at home, so maybe we need to throw reason out the window. Maybe it becomes an upset win.

But my bet has to be on Michigan .... because .... this is an early game. It will be chilly and possibly wet. Students will be just getting out of bed. The stadium won't provide the energy that this team needs. I would think differently if it was a night game in warm weather, with a championship on the line.

Michigan has much more at stake.

yes I am glad that when michigan get the ball it will be 80 degrees,dry and sunny!!

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

My guess is that Michigan also didn’t put up gaudy rushing numbers against good defenses either. Michigan’s passing offense is nowhere close to OSU’s.

Exactly, take a look at their rushing numbers against Wisconsin (the only elite rushing D they've played to date) - 112 yards on 44 rushing attempts, 2.5 ypc! (a far sight below their 5.3 ypc season average). Laughable to claim that duhO$U's 5.7 ypc season average (best in the b1g) doesn't count, but somehow scUM's does despite the fact that they drastically underperform this number against the best rushing defenses they've played against this year.

 

[bdroc]

Not worried about the defense. Team speed is good and LB’s are quality. Just need to put up 27 points and a W is on the way....

I agree that 27 points gives us a chance but we've only done that once against a good defense. We scored 28 vs Auburn but that's when Clifford was able to run.

 

[bdroc]

Tell me how our offense matches up with their D. That is the question of the week. Can the O line protect Clifford and give him time? Will our ace receivers continue to get open? Will the TEs show up or disappear again? And will we ever get a running game?

1. Odds are UM will do a better job than MD containing Dotson.
2. The OL / RBs aren't going to magically start running the ball against the UM defense. IMO the only way the OL gives Clifford more time is if he feels well enough to run.
3. The TEs have been a disappointment but I think the potential is there.

 

[SLion]

We need to be realistic here. Maryland dropped alot of catchable balls and had a huge fumble that sealed game. From what I've seen, UMs OL is far superior and not seeing how we stop run. Sure, we could finally get a balanced offensive game but a leopard does not change its spot all of a sudden. Talent being equal - we can keep it close at home but probably 34-24 UM in the end. Hope I am wrong but we are very middle of pack team in BT

 

[ryoder1]

We need to be realistic here. Maryland dropped alot of catchable balls and had a huge fumble that sealed game. From what I've seen, UMs OL is far superior and not seeing how we stop run. Sure, we could finally get a balanced offensive game but a leopard does not change its spot all of a sudden. Talent being equal - we can keep it close at home but probably 34-24 UM in the end. Hope I am wrong but we are very middle of pack team in BT

Is Blake Corum for them out? If so that changes things. I don't think we give up 34 to them at home. If we can score 24 we may win. It may be a 24-21 game. Just not sure who wins.

 

[Obliviax]

Is Blake Corum for them out? If so that changes things. I don't think we give up 34 to them at home. If we can score 24 we may win. It may be a 24-21 game. Just not sure who wins.

Corum. got hurt...actually, reinjured. Harbaugh says it is "less than serious" but I don't think he'll be 100%. Perhaps they just rested him.



....

 

[PSUisBack2017]

Neither of these teams is very good. Michigan State is not an offense "power" and they put up a lot of points on the vaunted Michigan D. I mean for years we heard about the great Don Brown..just last year in fact...now it's the new guy.

I think this is a one score game and I obviously like that we are home, even though a noon kick and having 3 losses won't bring the typical Beaver Stadium crowd.

IF we have some consistency running the ball and the TO differential is 1 or less...I think we pull it off 27-20

 

[bvillebaron]

We need to be realistic here. Maryland dropped alot of catchable balls and had a huge fumble that sealed game. From what I've seen, UMs OL is far superior and not seeing how we stop run. Sure, we could finally get a balanced offensive game but a leopard does not change its spot all of a sudden. Talent being equal - we can keep it close at home but probably 34-24 UM in the end. Hope I am wrong but we are very middle of pack team in BT

Outside of beating Wisconsin who exactly has Michigan beaten? Take a look at their schedule. OSU’s run game is superior to Michigan’s and McNamara isn’t close to Stroud. IMO PSU should plan to stop the run and make McNamara beat you with the pass which I don’t think he can with PSU’s secondary.

 

[The Spin Meister]

Outside of beating Wisconsin who exactly has Michigan beaten? Take a look at their schedule. OSU’s run game is superior to Michigan’s and McNamara isn’t close to Stroud. IMO PSU should plan to stop the run and make McNamara beat you with the pass which I don’t think he can with PSU’s secondary.

Yep, hit the ground game of Mich hard. Force them to pass. Ikebittybetty will force some bad throws our dbacks pick off a couple. Who knows......maybe even two consecutive games with a defensive score🤷🏽

 

[bison13]

Ann arbor's a whore

 

[NittanyIllinois]

Outside of beating Wisconsin who exactly has Michigan beaten? Take a look at their schedule. OSU’s run game is superior to Michigan’s and McNamara isn’t close to Stroud. IMO PSU should plan to stop the run and make McNamara beat you with the pass which I don’t think he can with PSU’s secondary.

Yep, exactly.

This won't be an easy game by any means, but Michigan hasn't really proven anything. And they beat Wisconsin at a time when Mertz couldn't hit a WR if his life depended on it. Wisconsin isn't the same team now that they were then.

I do think their defense is pretty solid, but not elite by any means.

Key to beating them is forcing McNamara to beat you with the pass. Sparty has a God-awful secondary and Michigan was able to throw the ball. Our secondary is infinitely better.

PSU by 6.

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

Outside of beating Wisconsin who exactly has Michigan beaten? Take a look at their schedule. OSU’s run game is superior to Michigan’s and McNamara isn’t close to Stroud. IMO PSU should plan to stop the run and make McNamara beat you with the pass which I don’t think he can with PSU’s secondary.

Exactly! Made a similar post in another thread. All these supposedly great b1g teams is a complete house of cards. MSU has looked mediocre all year and fortunate not to have multiple losses at this point - but they were ranked #2 in the CFB Invitational Poll based on beating MeatChicken. MSU looks like the worst team ever to be #2 in the fairly brief history of the CFB Invitational and its accompanying "Selection Poll". MSU is not a great football team - decent at best - as a "decent, but not great" Purdue team proved this past weekend. MeatChicken is supposedly great but there is nothing to really base that on - their best win is against a "decent, but not great" 3-loss Wisconsin team, etc., etc., etc..... as you go through b1g. But the notion that MeatChicken is incredible and nearly unbeatable is farcical. Given the way a depleted PSU Team (something like 5 starters lost to injury for the season since the start of the Season - i.e., Preseason Practice) challenged duhO$U, duhO$U is not the world-beater that many are claiming - duhO$U would get smoked in the CFB Invitational by the SEC Teams.

 

[Psugo823]

Michigan is 1st in the BiG in rushing offense and PSU is 9th in rushing defense. IMO this isn't a great matchup, especially since Mustipher is out. The DL took another hit with Luketta out yesterday. Hopefully he can return and give us a chance next week.

Every game is big but PSU dug themselves a hole with 3 consecutive losses. This game is probably the difference between a 7-5 season & the Pinstripe Bowl and an 8-4 season with a bowl game in Florida. I sure would be nice if Clifford could run but I don't think that's in the cards. He did have a 4 yard run for a 1st down yesterday but only because he was able to avoid getting hit.

No excuses. Everyone has injuries this time of year. You are what your won loss record says you are. Period.

 

[Norm Petersin]

Great post. Pure Michigan, priceless