Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Wolverine Wednesday: Forget The Playoff 4, We Have the Quick Lane 4

I know year one of the playoffs is exciting for the teams in the top 5 in the nation.   As Michigan fans we are not that interested in playoffs this year, we are more interested in going to a bowl game and staying out of the Quick Lane Bowl.

Your first question might be:  What is the Quick Lane Bowl?  It's formerly the Pizza Pizza Bowl that is held at Ford Field. 

You might recognize a player on their current advertising:




Quick Lane is the Big Ten's lowest bowl on their line-up.   Many believe that Michigan at 6-6 would be a perfect fit, because they are a quick drive to Detroit.   I don't know about you, but I'm not in the camp and would consider this bowl game as the lowest of lows for the program.  

So I bring you the Quick Lane 4 (Big Ten Teams only):

1. Northwestern:  They are 4-6 and have games remaining over Purdue and Illinois.   If they win out they will be 6-6 and have a win over ND on their resume.   Short plane trip or you can take the train from Chicago to A2.

2.  Michigan:  5-5, Has Maryland at home and #6 ranked OSU in CBus.  There is probably one winnable game left on their scheudle.    Many think the short drive to MoTown would make this a good bowl for the Wolverines.   Michigan is known to travel well and I expect they might be in a bowl game in Texas or California.

3. Penn State: 6-4 with games at Illinois and home against #11 MSU.  They will probably finish at 7-5 or maybe 6-6 as they don't play very well on the road.  

4. Rutgers is 6-4 but has MSU and at Maryland still on their schedule.  6-6 is looking very possible.  I believe they have played in this bowl before.

5.Illinois is 4-6 and is (Northwestern and PSU) not expected to make a bowl.

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There continues to be plenty of "smoke" around the Harbaugh to Michigan.   This article from Sam Webb is another example.  

Here are the things I believe:

  • Even though the Frank Clark situation was handled correctly by Brady Hoke, continued negative media attention does not help his cause.

  • Jim Hackett will handle an appropriate separation with Brady Hoke after the OSU game. If they beat Maryland, I expect he would coach the Bowl game.

  • Jim Hackett will also be in role to hire the new head coach and new AD

  • I now believe everyone understands it's Harbaugh or bust.  If this is going to work, plans will have to be made way ahead of announcing he is coming.  For example, there are rumors that Jimmy is putting out feelers on his staff at Michigan.   I think those rumors are probably not accurate but just a sign there is plenty of "smoke" out there.

2 comments:

M go Clean said...

The band has been told that if they beat Maryland they will leave for a bowl game Christmas night. Leads me to think Holiday or Pinstripe bowl, but don't know their criteria?

Scott K said...

Well, the band can spend Christmas break with their families this year.