Posted at 10:00am -- 10/16/2009Welcome all readers, and here is a short preview of the Delaware State versus UM game coming up noon Saturday.
This preview is essentially self-evident, but it might serve the purpose of preventing you from doing home chores for 5 more minutes.
Delaware State is of course playing up and will come home with a monster paycheck. That is the good news and maybe the only good news. This game is not like Appy State versus Michigan. Appy State had months to prepare against an out-of-shape Michigan team. Delaware State has only a few days to prepare. The Hornets do not have the luxury to lie down against others to prepare to take out the big dog. The Hornets do not have the speed of Appy State either and will play a very well conditioned team. Appy State matched up pretty well against UM with difference maker players, Delaware State does not have the above luxuries or advantages cited above. And so, the players will likely do the speaking.
This is football and anything can happen, but it would take more than lightning to shock the faithful this time. Having said the above, UM could still come out a little comatose from two weeks on the road making the final score a little too close. Or, a Michigan blitzkreig might stamp the outcome very early, sending the patrons to early watering hole festivities.
Here is what should happen. Michigan will try and take control of the game early. This would allow the coaching staff to play an army of players for various reasons. If the card was in my palm, Tate would play about one quarter, Denard would play two, and Nick and David would get some lovely parting gift time for their service to UM.
Delaware State has been mediocre against its level of competition on the ground, averaging less than 4 yards a carry, a typical measuring stick. The team is giving up 5 yards per carry. Another concern for Delaware State is the glaring stat of only 4.8 yards per pass attempt. Most teams want 8 yards per attempt and 7 is considered mediocre. This means short passes and short passes frequently means minimal protection.
The match-ups of strengths and weaknesses look good for Michigan
I also believe the coaches would like to work on the perimeter game. Why? Simply because a basic stem passing game and tackle to tackle football, along with the read in and out series, may not be enough against good competition.
The most important games of the year now become Illinois and Purdue, the most winnable games left after Saturday. Wisconsin and even Penn State are reachable under the right circumstances. The university of oHIo state, only injuries to the opposition can give the blue a shot.
Written by Doc4Blu
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
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