You do such a great job on these its downright stupifying. Only thing I might be able to add here is coaching. Walker seems to know what he's doing and Northwestern will upset one team, possiblly two. Arizona St will probably be a shoot-out. Don't really remembering them defending much last year, so Northwestern might be able pull that one out. Penn St. is also a big if. As you said in your preview, they have to be better on offense, but how much? I'm not sold on Robinson, he hasn't shown anything in games yet to say he might be even a servicable quarterback. Northwestern is too smart to not be able to shut down that team. I would think Penn State's only hope might be long bombs to Williams. I remember reading back in mid 90's when Northwestern beat Michigan those couple times, that the Michigan players would look at the scoreboard near the end of the game and realize they were losing, it didn't seem like they were up until then. Never bet against Northwestern, they are sneaky like that.
I loved the "his replacements will be identical but probably less susceptible to skin cancer" line.
I'll be in Chicago for the Michigan-NU game this year, and am hoping for better than last time (2000 when we lost 54-51).
I do agree with Brandon above that Walker seems to get all he can from his talent.
You know ... I really like these Wildcats. (I really, really do.) I think they're going to beat Michigan in Evanston. (It's the toughest game on the Blue's schedule ... they just don't realize it yet.)
JohnS, What are you smoking (and whatever it is please share)?
I mean no offense to Northwestern when I say I would be ecstatic if that game was Michigan's toughest.
OK guys, I admit that I wish that game would turn out to be UM's toughest game but I'm enough of a realist to think that isn't likely. I think Brian's probably about right. This team could easily go 6-5 or 5-6, or 7-4. Which wil it be? Who knows - injuries will be a big factor as the Cats aren't very deep. The schedule doesn't do any favors though. Just NU's luck to have IU drop off.
I think it's going to be the classic, Michigan "grind-it-out" type of game - lots of bruising runs between the tackles. 2 and 3 yard runs in the first quarter will turn into 5 and 6 yard runs late in the game. Nothing fancy, just hat on a hat. Just the way Lloyd and I like it.
GO BLUE!!
Enjoyed your analyis. Just bought tickets today for NU-Michigan and coming in from Montana for homecoming. Will be my first game at Dyche/Ryan since the early '70s. Hoping for a great, competitive game -- and, of course, that the Wildcats come out on top.
By the way, last year's Northwestern win over Ohio State was the first in 33 years. The previous, in 1971 (final score 14-10), is forever etched in my brain because I was there, in Columbus. Perhaps the finest football day I've ever experienced, being part of a tiny contingent of purple-clad folks surrounded by the stunned Buckeye faithful!
The payback for that win the following year in Evanston was brutal. Jack Tatum took the opportunity of an open field and a clear shot to break the NU QB's arm. Nice, class act. Typcial OSU, what can I say.
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