(https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.zbsf8QC8XKkiRQa4vk6lw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9ODAwO2lsPXBsYW5l/http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/AP_NCAAF/201410042213800281245-p5.jpg)A day that will in infamy
Michigan could destroy them 77-0 like they did two years ago if they want to and still might do that anyway, considering how they have blown out teams this year. I expect a lot of running plays to get the game over with relatively quickly and the defense to not allow a 1st down so long at least as the starters are in, similar to 2 years ago.When do you think Peters will go in? (When do you want him to?)
It'll be a good game to get the backups significant reps, particularly with Peters becoming the backup QB now.
With Dylan McCaffery breaking his clavicle.The entire Michigan 1st and 2nd team could break all their clavicles, and what difference would it make this week?
The entire Michigan 1st and 2nd team could break all their clavicles, and what difference would it make this week?If the objective were just to defeat the Scarlet Knights, then sure.
(https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4YG_x_sFk_YB9hKBq5M8UA6Bc7o=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7244309/rutgerss.0.gif)looks like he'd rather be at the strip club with Herman and Zach Smith
Oct. 8, 2016 Former Buckeye Chris Ash Rutgers Head Coach
Michigan 78
Rutgers 0
I know it was meant in jest, but of course, with travel roster limits, you can't really bring the walkons and players that are redshirting to play (with the new 4 game rule, this becomes a possibility for home games), which of course is the only reason the primary backups played until the end of the game two years ago.I don't think it's the ONLY reason
I don't think it's the ONLY reasonI mean, who else could've played at the end of the game? Granted, they ran up the score with the backups by still playing aggressively if that's what you're getting at, since Michigan was still undefeated at the time and was playing just as well as Ohio State, so they had a real chance to win the conference and go to the playoff if not for Speight getting hurt in Iowa City.
He'd probably be ~8th taken at his position, which would make him a 2019 midrounder,unless he has a great game vs tOSU, Northwestern in Indy, and a couple more big games in the CFP.
Insiders are beginning to report that Shea will put his name in for the draft but is nearly 100% planning to return next year. That's huge and makes sense all around. He'd probably be ~8th taken at his position, which would make him a 2019 midrounder, and I'd say he could parlay a return into a 1st/2nd Rd selection if he stays and he doesn't dip below his current level of play.Great news. I guess Shea is having fun and likes Ann Arbor. Already looking forward to spanking the Nitts again in Happy Valley next October.
And then there's the offense, which will return almost everyone - only losing one OL (JBB), Higdon and Perry. So: Patterson, in his final year of eligibility, throwing to Collins/Black/DPJ and Gentry, behind an ascending OL? Yes please!
It was reaction to the spread line. I'm sure that's more insulting to Rutger's football than any jest I made because of the spread line.I believe the most lopsided away game spread in Vegas history was 38.5 (can't confirm but have read it twice this week), which I guess would make 39.5 historic if it holds.
I believe the most lopsided away game spread in Vegas history was 38.5 (can't confirm but have read it twice this week), which I guess would make 39.5 historic if it holds.I don't want them to rest Shea all game. Don't want him to get rusty, have to keep him sharp. But I would like to think they'd want to build an early lead and treat it almost like an NFL pre-season game. Give him a few series, get a lead, then let Peters play basically the entire 2nd, 3rd, and 4th QTRs. Time to get Peters some reps and get him up to speed fast. It's Rutgers man.
Honestly, though, I'm cool without covering if it helps us bubblewrap Shea.
Was rewatching earlier and noticed Aubrey Solomon limp to the locker room in the first half. Any word on the severity there?pretty sure he came back to the game in the 2nd half.
Hope it was precautionary but I always worry about these guys' knees. Plus: This defense has been even better since his return.
I mean, who else could've played at the end of the game? Granted, they ran up the score with the backups by still playing aggressively if that's what you're getting at, since Michigan was still undefeated at the time and was playing just as well as Ohio State, so they had a real chance to win the conference and go to the playoff if not for Speight getting hurt in Iowa City.That was when Rutgers was trying to poke the bear still. And the bear smacked them across the face.
Granted, in looking at the box score, the backups probably get less snaps than I remember: http://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=400869636
Hopefully this time around, they'll take the starters out earlier, though.
| #4 Michigan Wolverines (6-0, 8-1) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (0-6, 1-8) |
| 3:30 - Piscataway, NJ - BTN |
| I hate to punt on these, but honestly, what is there to say? Michigan looks comfortably like the best team in the conference right now, while Rutgers looks as bad as any Big Ten team in memory. And I say that with full awareness of the fact that 2 years ago Rutgers finished last in the Big Ten and lost 49-0 to a Michigan State team that was the second worst. This team to me looks worse. In fairness, the Scarlet Knights defense has held up respectfully well all things considered, and particularly over their past two games acquitted themselves well. But the Rutgers offense against the Michigan defense? Good lord. The Scarlet Knights are averaging just 4.0 ypp in conference play, including 4.4 ypa passing. Bill Connolly ranks them #128 in S&P+ out of 130 FBS teams offensively, ahead of only UTSA and Central Michigan. That's why their defense looks pretty at #94. So you got the third worst offense in the FBS against the best defense. The word against Michigan was get to their defense early, it takes them time to settle in. Notre Dame jumped on them 14-0, and Northwestern got out to a 17-0 lead. Well so much for that. The Wolverines defense hasn't allowed a first quarter point over their last four games. Ty Johnson got them with a 98 yard kick return in the first quarter a month ago, but that's it. In the past two games they held Michigan State scoreless through halftime, and then had Penn State shutout through 58 minutes. There's really no weakness right now, not that Rutgers could exploit it anyway. Michigan is staying ahead of the sticks, and letting Patterson play from his comfort zone. He's got all of his tools to work with. Roll him out for easy first down pickups, let him run, or just give it to Higdon. He hasn't been anything special, but he hasn't really needed to be with an offense that isn't blowing anyone away, but is just staying on schedule and eating the scraps the defense throws them. If Michigan were at home, at least this would be worth watching, with the new 4 game rule, to see which redshirting freshmen Michigan stuck in the game, but with their travelling roster, we don't even have that to look forward to. With McCaffrey suffering a season ending injury, I'd suspect Harbaugh will turn to Brandon Peters a little earlier than he may usually sit Patterson for the day, but that's about it. This feels like a pick your score, where Michigan could slog their way through comfortably, or win 77-0 again. Either way this one will never be in doubt, and the only goal is stay healthy, and maybe get Peters solid reps. |
| MICHIGAN 42, RUTGERS 3 |
I'm starting to think that the most significant flaw in Michigan's offense is tight end blocking**. Which makes me even more sad that Devin Asiasi had to transfer to a crappy UCLA (albeit because of family issues that of course meant that he made the right decision personally). But still. That guy, as a TrFr, blocked like a quality tackle. High star TEs like that (with run blocking expertise >>> FLEX skills) are *rare*. And Asiasi is too seldom mentioned as an unmistakable loss for Michigan.Ya he was a DOMINANT blocker as a true freshman.
**(a real testament to the work Warinner and McElwain have done)