Michigan Friday: Where is The Fresh? & Maryland Preview

Tony Ding / Associated Press

Michigan played a close game against Detroit last night as Juwan Howard Jr. was channeling his famous daddy on the floor that made him famous.   The first half was pretty bad for both teams.  Michigan struggled shooting jumpers and Detroit played well enough to have a one point lead at half time.  

The second half started similar to the first and then Caris started to take over.   He finished with 21 points and 17 of those coming in the second half.   Detroit went on a mini-run slapped the floor and got beat by 9 points.   Big Nookie Jr. finished with 24 points and was pretty much the entire offense for the Titans all night. 

These types of games will happen with young teams and Michigan didn't start playing well until they put in Spike and Bielfeldt.   Michigan has a big problem with their bigs.   The freshman are confused on both sides of the floor and not playing well.  They were in an out of the game in a few minute spurts.   They would come in give up a basket, foul and right to the bench for the rest of the half.   I see freshman playing well all over the country and Michigan's freshman are going to need to pick up their game if this team is going to have success.   The lineup with Spike and Max is just too small if Michigan isn't shooting well from three.

I know there is a log jam at his position, but I think we need to see more from Dawkins.  The kid can shoot!
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Maryland Preview

Time: 3:30
Location: Big House
TV: BTN
Weather: High 40, With freezing rain
Line: Michigan -3


Maryland is bowl eligible, Michigan isn't.   Many didn't expect that to be the case when these two teams meet for the first time as Big Ten opponents.  Maryland made a trip to the Big House in 1990 when Michigan was good and got blown out 45-17.  Maryland is coming off a night game at home whipping from MSU 37-15, Michigan knows how that feels.  

This is senior night and the last game for the likes of Jake Ryan and Devin Gardner who will play their last game in the Big House.   These guys should be applauded for their dedication to the program and their hard work they have put in 24x7 to make this team better.  

Maryland is 114th in running the football, so don't expect too many runs against Michigan's strong running defense.  They are 67th in passing, so expect them to throw the ball a little bit.   Michigan's DB's will be getting a ton of work but will not have to worry about one of the Big Ten's top WR's in Stefon Diggs who is out with an injury.    With the expected poor weather, throwing the ball might be an issue for both teams.  

Michigan proved at Northwestern they have a hard time executing a passing attack.   If Michigan can get their RB's going and carry the load all day, it will be a good day for the Wolverines.   If Gardner is healthy I would like to see more scrambles and even a couple called runs.   Like always, Gardner's play is the wild card, if he completes his short throws for first downs and the team can run the ball.  Michigan will win.   If Michigan can't run and DG throws picks, it will be a long day for the Wolverines.  

I think Michigan will play hard to earn a bowl game and send the seniors out with their last home win.   Points will be low due to the weather and a couple bad teams. 

Michigan 17 Maryland 13