At which positions do you credibly believe ND is better than Michigan. I'd vote Offensive Line, Tight End and DB. That's about it. I think Michigan is better on the Defensive Front 7, the QB, the RB and WRs.
With the game won by the defensive front 7 and the QB, I think we're in real trouble.
The were humiliated in the last game in Notre Dame Stadium when the series was abruptly ended. Motivation is on their side in spades. Take Michigan and lay the points.... nothing personal...just business
Not many players, or coaches, were around for that game that are currently part of the UM program.
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1. Our OL is more experienced then theirs. That counts big.
2. Wimbush is much closer to Patterson than many believe, despite several errant throws in warm-ups last Saturday. Wimbush is the more dangerous runner.
3. Our returning wide receivers are at least as good as theirs. We'll also have more depth there.
4. Their returning RB is ok but he's no game-breaker. If DW were playing, we'd definitely have the advantage here. I call it no words than 50/50 without him.
4. They have to replace both defensive tackles, we don't. Their DE's are more experienced but not so much so that they'll win the game.
5. They lost their MLB leading tackler. Coney had (I think) as many tackles as he did last year (anyway both were over 100). I'd say LB is a break-even but I think Coney and Tranquil will be better than Bush and whoever.
6. Their DB's return but so do ours. I'd say it's a wash.
7 I can't comment on special teams.
I think we win a close low scoring game. I'd feel otherwise if the game was at their place.
Nice going. Your point on the O-line will really be the key. That is where they had trouble last year. I am glad we get them Game One. We will win this, in a close one, but if the game were at the end of next year, I would feel a lot less confident.
This site displays East Coast Time. I'm on the West Coast so I actually sent the post at 10:52 pm my time.
I did a little more looking and saw that both of their cornerbacks are under 6 ft. This is major given the size of Boykin and Claypool.
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Patterson may be good. He had good stats overall last year, but had trouble against good defenses. That is our strength this year, especially the secondary, at least as things look now. If they do get 24, they will win it, but I really don't think they will have the offense to get above 17. In that case, we win it.
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