UMass Minutemen Preview

Time: 3:30
Location: Big House
TV: BTN
Weather:  Mostly Sunny high of 74
Line:  Michigan - 45.5


The Minutemen are coming, The Minutemen are coming.  In 2010 UMass made another trip to the Big House, scored 20 points in the 4th quarter and lost a close game to the Wolverines 42-37.  That game featured Rich Rodriguez and no defense.  UMass was in the lower FCS division then and now they are a new member in the MAC.   That near miss in the Big House probably helped them get in a better league.  So UMass is a decent team right?  Nope.   They are pretty much terrible and have scored 6 points all year with a loss to UConn 36-0 and Indiana 45-6.

Michigan is the best team they will face all year and if you lose 45-6 to IU, you don't expect to win in the Big House.   This game is going to get ugly folks.  

Since it won't be much of a game, here are some things to look for:

• Expect Michigan's running game to take off on Saturday.  Fitz should have 100 yards in the first half.  Expect to see lots of Rawls and Justice Hayes as well.   I'm betting we see Norfleet get a few snaps at RB.

• I actually would consider resting Denard for the entire game.   I know that won't happen but I would rather see Gardner or Bellomy lead the team from the start.   It's fair to say the Michigan offense needs some work after the last two weeks, so I expect Denard to play most of the 1st half.    Seeing Bellomy get some real game action should be interesting.  

• Let's not blow any red shirts please!  Keep an eye out for true freshman that haven't seen a ton of time yet. 

• How about a couple throws to Roy Roundtree?

• Enjoy the perfect weather if your at the game.   (this is a great game to take kids to, tickets will be cheap and the weather will be wonderful)

• Wonder out loud why this isn't a Noon kick off and is that Mike Cox the former Wolverine playing for UMass?

Sing Hail to the Victors if..................

-Denard pads some stats and is out by the 2nd quarter 100% healthy.
-Fitz gets 100 yards rushing quickly
-The offensive and defensive lines gain some confidence
-The Michigan defense pitches a shut out

Scream, I hate that game show Minute to Win it if.....

-Michigan has any injuries to the two deep
-Michigan's defense struggles
-Michigan offense or defensive line struggles

This is what I call a confidence game.  Michigan has had two straight opponents that have made confidence hard to find on both sides of the ball.   Have we ever seen Kovas play back to back poor games?  Can you remember Fitz not finding any holes?  This is the game to fix the issues and get some confidence for South Bend next week.   A few young players I am going to look for are Dennis Norfleet at RB and Amara Darboh at WR.   I wouldn't mind Pewee getting a few tackles on the defensive line either.

Michigan 51 UMass 3


Go Blue!