After my rant about how much the Lions upset me yesterday, I thought I would move on to something that has been making me excited since the minute the scoreboard read zeroes against the Corn people... The 2011 version of The Game!
Lets take a look at tomorrow's matchup. Ohio has actually been pretty bad at times this year (losing to Miami, Purdue, blowing a big lead at Nebraska), but have looked pretty good at times as well (beating Wisconsin, first half at Nebraska). One thing is known: Ohio wants to run the football. They will do whatever they can to keep Braxton Miller out of predictable throwing downs.
Ohio rush offense vs Big Blue rush defense: Like I said earlier, Ohio wants to run the ball. If they are having success look for them to only throw a handful of times (In the win against the fighting Zookers they only threw 3 times). They will run the ball with Dan "Boom" Herron between the tackles, and use Jordan Hall as their homerun hitter to get to the outside or be their featured back to catch passes out of the backfield. But Braxton Miller is their leading rusher so far this year. He makes some good reads and runs the zone option pretty well for a true freshman. He has rushed for over 100 yards on multiple games this season. He has the ability to make many people miss in the backfield and make something out of nothing. He will be rushed most of the day by Mike Martin, RVB, and Jake Ryan. The way our defensive line has been playing lately, I will be surprised if the Bucknuts have much success running the ball against this scary DLine. If they do, look for the game to be closer and low scoring. The key here will be how much pressure our front 4 can get on Miller with out rushing a linebacker. Also, we need to keep a linebacker in there to spy on Miller. It will be a tough assignment for Desmond Morgan if he is the spy. Advantage: Push
Ohio pass offense vs the once swiss cheese secondary: Braxton Miller is not a high quality passer. He will be in time, but as a freshman he struggles. His arm strength is a little below average, and his accuracy needs improvement. One thing he does do very well though is scramble in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield on his receivers. Our cornerbacks will have to cover for a lot longer than they are used to. Miller might be able to find some open receivers if Martin and company cannot wrap up well tomorrow. Devier Posey is their only homerun threat, but he will be playing in only his second game. So the timing with Miller might be off still. If Braxton Miller is beating us with his arm tomorrow, our luck in The Game might not be changing this year. Advantage: Michigan. I am looking for the seniors on defense to have huge games, Martin and RVB have been unblockable lately. Look for Michigan to get 3-4 sacks, and 2-3 pass breakups.
Michigan rush offense vs Ohio's rush defense: Our offensive line continues to improve with the new system, this is a scary thing for Ohio's front 4. The Bucknut's defense is the strength of the team, it is basically first to 20 points (something went wrong if Ohio scores 30). Penn St rushed for 239 yards last week with a 6.1 average. Penn St cannot throw the ball, so Ohio loaded the box with 8 and still got smoked. Look for Big Blue to do the same thing tomorrow. Denard only needs 50+ yards to get to 1,000 for the season, and Fitz can get there with a big game as well. Look for Denard to have similar success as last week (80 yards and a few scores), and Fitz to continue to roll with another 100 yard game. Advantage: Michigan
Michigan pass offense vs Ohio's pass defense. The only thing that worries me about this matchup is Denard's knack for throwing at least one interception a game. If he is not looking good tomorrow, he could have another 3 INT game. I think our receivers can get some separation from the Ohio secondary, but Denard doesnt care when he throws picks, he will throw a receiver into coverage (instead of throw him open). It is hard for me to think that Denard will have a clean sheet gme, so watch for the one or two terrible throws. If Ohio can capitalize on these mistakes, then they can stay in the game. Advantage: Ohio because of Denard's accuracy issues. If Denard doesn't throw an interception, then look for Michigan to roll the Bucknuts.
Special Teams: Hah, please... what the heck are these? Hopefully the game does not come down to a field goal because they have a kicker and we have a guy that likes to think he is a kicker. He has been a lot better than last year, but he hasnt had to make a pressure kick this year. Hagerup has not been as good as he was last year, but has still been above average. Kick return game is a big advantage toward Ohio, so we will need to keep the returns within the 30 to keep the field position advantage. Advantge: Ohio (but look for us to score TD's, to not make this a factor)
Coaching: Just wanted to throw this in there to get a chuckle. Brady "Hope for the future" Hoke vs Lame Duck Fickell. Hoke will coach circles around this moron, so that will be enjoyable. Look for Ohio to parade Urban Whiner out there after the game. Maybe he will even be on the sidelines to try to even out the mismatch.
Prediction: I can't believe I am even doing this in Hoke's first year, but Big Blue sends the seniors out on a high note. Meeechigan 31 Ohio 10. Go Blue, beat the stinky nuts.
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