My thoughts on Michigan vs Washington

[JSMOOTH]

Washington definately has some weapons on offense. Cody Pickett and Reggie Williams are gonna get their numbers through the air. Williams at 6'4" will probably be guarded by the shorter sophomore, Marlin Jackson. I read where the Huskies are banged up at RB so I look for them to throw alot. This is where UM's defense needs to come through. If they can get to Pickett early, they might be alright.
Washington's defense is a little suspect IMO. They gave up alot of points last season and their D line is young. Michigan, as always will try to establish the running game. Askew and Perry are back (I think Askew was moved to FB) and newcomer Underwood might see some touches.
Michigan has a new off. coord. who supposedly will "air it out" more this year. With Marquise Walker gone, Navarre might be more generous and spread the ball around. I look for Ronald Bellamy to be his go to guy this year with Calvin Bell playing a big role and Bennie Joppru also at TE.
Ever heard the saying "too good to be true"? At first, I thought WAS +6 looked that way and now it's at 5 1/2. At the beginning of the week, I was leaning towards WAS but I'm starting to change my mind. ( Or is that my heart making me do that )

 

[ChuckyTheGoat]

Lean to Michigan, for motivational purposes. Wolverines should be looking to atone for bowl gm throttling. Tack on revenge for a gm where they were the better team. And it's not a bad payback spot.

 

[Nickelback]

I'm usually not in to playing totals, but Vegas released the total for this game at 52? Are you kidding me?!?! Michigan should struggle to score and Washington will be slowed down a little by Michigan's great D. I was thinking a total of around 45 and I was still going to play the under. This might be one of my top plays of the entire year. . . certainly a top play on Saturday.

Have fun at the game bud! I've been a loyal Michigan fan since I was 5. Would watch all of their games as a little kid and almost went to college there. It would be hard for me to pick against them, but Washington on the ML at +190 looks to have value to me. Even though it shouldn't take much offense from the Wolves, I still believe they fall short until Navarre gets comfortable with his new targets. Wouldn't be the least surprised if the winner scores less than 20.

 

[JSMOOTH]

Nickelback

Nickelback

You're right...52 does seem pretty high.
I've heard all the talk about Michigan's awesome defense, but we all saw what a good QB and WR tandem can do to them. (Casey Clausen, Donte Stallworth and Kelly Washington). I hate to sound negative about it but I hope they've made some major improvements in their pass defense.
Like I said, if they can get early pressure on Pickett, it won't matter.
Special teams could be a difference and Michigan has a new kicker and punter this year.
I've heard a lot of bad talk about Navarre. He'll be fine.
I'm gonna say.....
Michigan 24-16
Somebody made a good point in here....Michigan's defense might score 14 points.

 

[djv]

JSMOOTH I did say Mich Df's might score 10 or 14 in this forum some place. I believe last year could tell us something. Wash got beat good on the road 3 or maybe 4 times. My memory tells be they came from behind at home last year to win this game. Not this year Mich by 10.

 

[JSMOOTH]

djv

djv

yep, Michigan led the entire game until a blocked FG was returned for a TD and then a Navarre INT was returned for a TD.

I'm curious to see the new offensive look. I heard we'll see more passing on 1st and 2nd down.
Last Year, Calvin Bell showed flashes of greatness during limited action. I hope they haven't forgotten him.