Wolverine247 Board

35 points? Yikes, not much respect for the UM defense. What makes you think you can score 35 on us when our last five opponents have scored 49 total?

'Cause I had to stay homer in my pick that we would win, but I also think our defense gives up quite a few.

I've been there many many times. I could easily see NU winning, but I think it'd be a lower scoring game. As I said in another thread, I think this is our toughest game left.

There was the hail-marry type pass at the end of the half against MSU that resulted in an INT. Denard hasn't thrown a legitimate pick in the three B1G games we've played so far. We have gone back to more of the spread type offense that is better suited for Denard since B1G play started. Denard will only throw it 10-15 times unless the defense can consistently stop him from running. MSU was able to do this but he almost broke the TD run on three or four occasions. Nebraska will have to do what MSU did on defense, which is improbable given that they don't have the playmakers that MSU has. Will be interesting to see Nebraska's defensive approach.

What games have you guys had on ESPN/ABC network? I'll browse through ESPN3, but it'd be better if I knew what I was looking for.

When the stars align momentarily and we give him the ball...

1. whats your honest prediction?
Michigan wins this if they use DRob in the running game. Not all that much different than how Nebraska uses Taylor from time to time. If they try to get cute, this could get interesting... the story is very clear on how to beat Nebraska misdirection running QB.

30-27 UM I think Michigan plays smart and keeps the ball out of the air, big plays kills Nebraska late

2. do you feel good about your defense against Denard? Stats
As I said in the previous answer, the blueprint to beat us is misdirection and the QB running to our weak side. If UM can stay steady up front, and put a hat on the LB leaving only a safety for defense Denard can have a field day. When it comes to throwing the ball, I am not impressed a whole lot with Denard, nor am I with Taylor. Neither one is a pocket passer, and both kill themselves with timely INT's.

3. what position is your weakness on D
Its out DL. Without question we are not a attacking DL by scheme. This allows almost every OL to get a push on us as we sit back at react rather than dictate running lanes. This also puts the backers in a terrible position when the DL gets swallowed up.

4. what do you think nebraska's game plan on offense is going to be?
Good defenses are going to be fast and react quickly to what they see. I see Nebraska trying play action a lot, and getting the ball into Enunwa/Bell/Turners hands early and often. Also we will try to ZR a little, but thats really only going to work if the passing game backs the LB'ers and Safetys off. Also expect us to use TE's as best we can, Reed is a mismatch TE and can cause a ton of problems for any LB'er.
12-20 for 198 1 INT 211 rushing on 19 carries

Jake Ryan laughs at your alleged mismatch

In all seriousness, I think Michigan matches up well against Nebraska. Improved DL play out of Quinton Washington, Will Campbell, and Ondre Pipkins the past few weeks has freed up the LBs to come in free and make plays behind the line in the run game. I know how heavily Nebraska relies on yards on the ground, so it'll be interesting to see what happens given your self-proclaimed "horrible" OL. Taylor Martinez scares me with broken plays, though, much like I'd imagine Denard scares you with scrambles

thanks. I'm going to be real honest right now. no bull. If you think NEB is going to put up 35 points, you are in for a rude awakening. UM gave up 42 points in the last 5 games. That's an average of 8 points a game. and that's with TO's on our side of the field twice vs ND. illinois never got in the redzone once against us. I don't think they got past the 30 yard line either, ohio and NW are on the bottom of the big ten in defense. you only put up 38 and 29 pts on them. If you're going to win this game, your defense is going to have to hold UM to under 30 because NEB would not put 30 on UM. Our defense is getting better every week. The new starters and young players are getting better week by week.

Don't worry. Denard's timid as well, albeit without reason. He absolutely refuses to scramble. He's gotta be sitting back there for 10-15 seconds before he finally decides to tuck it and run. I'd say 95% of his runs come off of QB draws and options.

How many OL players do you have that line up off the line of scrimmage, not just once, but 2 and 3 times in one game?

Its our weak link. Not that they are not capable of blocking or playing well... its stupid mistakes and drive killing penalties that have plagued Nebraska under Bo Pelini. Don't be shocked when we are hunting for OL coach following this season.

I think it's a testament to Martinez that it's even a push. Our pass D is ranked in the top 10 in the nation, but I know Martinez has been lights out passing the ball so I labeled push. I said maybe slight UM advantage because I'm still not 100% completely sold on T-Mart. He's been great so far though.

Our defense has played lights out since the AF game ...

UM Total Defense
Alabama 431 yds
AF 417 yds
UMass 259 yds
ND 239 yds
Purdue 213 yds
Illinois 134 yds
MSU 304 yds

UM Rushing Defense
Alabama 232 yds
AF 290 yds
UMass 112 yds
ND 94 yds
Purdue 56 yds
Illinois 105 yds
MSU 112 yds

UM Scoring Defense
Alabama 41 pts
AF 25 pts
UMass 13 pts
ND 13 pts
Purdue 13 pts
Illinois 0 pts
MSU 10 pts