Location: Citrus Bowl
Weather: FL Cold 60 degrees
TV: ABC
Line: Michigan +7
Well a lot has happened since Michigan left the field after the OSU game. Sherrone lost his mind, job, career, and freedom in one day and Michigan hired a new head coach in Kyle Whittingham. The team continued to practice under Biff and a few recruits left the program.
We know of 3 opt outs for this game for Michigan in edge rushers Moore, Barham, and also El-Hadi an offensive lineman will also not be participating. I expect there will be a few more due to injury, etc. That is just on the Michigan side. Texas also has had some players enter the portal but we don't know who is and isn't playing from the Longhorns. To be honest, neither team probably wants to play this game as their playoff dreams were both crushed late in the year.
Like all the other bowl games this season, we are not sure what to expect on either side. The Vegas line reflects the Michigan program in turmoil.
Dear Biff,
Well my friend it was fun while it lasted. You will most likely finish your time in Ann Arbor being the head coach for 3 games this season. Your 2-0 so far and looking to close out a perfect record. Your OC is gone and Wink needs to play without his best 2 pass rushers. Looking at the IU win over Ohio State, the reason Michigan wasn't more competitive in the game against the Buckeyes was they couldn't create any pass rush. Now that seems like a huge issue against Arch and the Longhorns.
I know you wanted this full time job but the Texas Podcast was a bad move and I hope that was just some gamesmanship. My expectation is that you kept this team going by focusing on the game and not what was going on outside Schembechler Hall. If you did that, then Bravo Biff and I expect to see a competitive game today in chilly Orlando.
Now for the game. It's no secret how I feel about Wink, but this is a Wink type of game. Most offenses start slow in Bowl Games due to the time off and the loss of players. Michigan will need to play very strong defense if they are going to stay with the Longhorns. On offense, I hope Michigan has some healthy RB's. Marshall had a great Bowl Game last year and if Michigan is going to win this game he will need over a 100 yards and a couple of TD's.
We are also looking for Bryce to make another step in the right direction. Next year is his year, but it would be nice to set the table with a really good outing vs. a ranked team.
Biff I don't know if your ever going to coach again or just head to the beach with that stack of money you and your father-in-law earned but it would sure be nice to go out with a win over Texas. In bowl games the team that usually wants to be there, plays like it and the teams that doesn't, reflects that as well.
Goals for today:
- Play hard
- Show progress on offense
- and most importantly stay healthy!
10 comments:
I don't understand the irrational disdain for the bowl games by Bob and others. I get it...you're not in the playoff, seniors and draft eligible players may opt out, but from a coach perspective it's asinine to not take advantage of the extra practices, ability for most freshman to play in the game without burning a redshirt, early enrollees being with the team in practice, and planning for next years team. It's about next year and stupid for any coach or team not to take advantage of it by pouting of not being where you want to be this year.
In this instance it's probably even more paramount for Michigan! You don't think if team broke after the regular season amidst the Sherrone chaos away from their brothers is arms, surrounded by people in their ear they should transfer and/or tampering handlers we wouldn't lose more players? Players being together likely helps keep most of this team together for the next regime.
Get over yourself and look the future vs. pout about not being able to see your team from this year be where you wished they attained. Hell, I would like the NCAA change the rules so early enrollees can play in the bowl games. Use this as a real like college game experience to see how things change from high school and start preparing for the next season!
Ever since the NCAA went to the playoff format.. these bowl games that are not in it seem anti-climatic.. yes it will be great to see Michigan play Texas. But all eyes are pretty much on next year. Yes that's a good idea to have the early enrollees play in bowl games
is this even worth watching? we know the coaching staff is going to turn over, so the schemes, both offensive and defensive, are going to change. the roster will probably be different come next September. How much? only time will tell. How many guys will use this game as an audition for jumping in the portal? Bowl games are pretty much worthless now, but for Michigan this game is even less than worthless.
sure except you're going to have new coaches after today. your schemes are going to change, so what are gaining if you're a Michigan? Whitt going to evaluate guys based on one game? you're argument holds water for a program that's carrying over a coaching staff. but in Michigan's case it is a glorified scrimmage and the last time some of these players will wear the winged helmet.
except you're going to have a new coaching staff. so everyone is going to be starting over come the spring game. I understand the whole extra practices argument, but in Michigan's situation...what are they going to practice? Football fundamentals? Michigan better damn sure have a revamped offense as the last 2 years have been abysmal. Defensively you're going away from the Raven's D and particularly Wink's overly complex version of it.
My reply - I’m not pouting. I just don’t see a point. They are exhibition games that have no upside. They only have downsides - injuries, lack of unity (people sitting out), when lose it’s usually by a lot, they aren’t usually exciting… I could go on.
They aren’t the bowl games of earlier times. Which did have actual meaning and impact.
So, again, no pouting. Just no upside to an end of season exhibition.
One thing you can say about Chowman, the most negative person on this blog. Period
YES....FIRST PLACE. I'D LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THIS HONOR, ESPECIALLY THE LITTLE PEOPLE LIKE THOM!
Granted it may not be as valuable with new coaching staff coming in but it’s still reps against competition other than yourselves. It’s invaluable for player growth regardless if schemes change. Helps with speed of game recognition at the very least.
Also, as I noted kept team together instead of apart from each other likely keeping transfer chaos and poaching from happening as much for this team specifically. That amidst the current back drop may be the most useful of all for us!
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