Michigan - Delaware State Preview

Game Time: 12:00
Location: Big House
TV: Big Ten Network (second game nationally - you will need the overflow channels to see it)
Line: None
Weather: Cloudy with a chance of meatballs (or a high of 48 with partly clouds and sun)

Is Michigan struggling? If you don't follow this program closely you could say Yes. Michigan has lost two road games in a row in the Big Ten.

If you look closer at these games, Michigan had a chance to win both (taking MSU to OT and a pick on the final drive against Iowa only down 2) but youthful mistakes got in the way. So Michigan is a couple of plays of being 6-0 but you could also say they are a couple of plays from being 3-3 as well.

Michigan is still a young team that will make freshman mistakes but play an exciting brand of football on offense. The Michigan defense is playing better with maybe their two best efforts at Michigan State and at Iowa.

This week was a slated bye week for the Wolverines but the revenue that comes with filling a 105,000 person stadium makes a game a little more important. No offense to the Delaware Hornets but they are the worst team on Michigan's schedule this year. They are 1-3 and struggling on offense to score points. This game shouldn't be close and hopefully won't be. If Michigan fans have learned anything the past couple of years (App. State and Toledo), Michigan shouldn't overlook anyone.

I look for Tate Forcier to play a few series (maybe 4 or 5). If those drives turn into points, Denard will see the rest of the game action. Denard needs the reps and Tate needs the rest. I would also like Sheridan to complete a pass so that he doesn't have that pick as the last pass that he threw. How close has Sheridan been to playing time the last two weeks? I would guess pretty close. If Tate is hurt and Denard is struggling with the offense, Sheridan is the guy.

So get in there and complete a few passes.

Also look for Mike Shaw and Vincent Smith to see a number of snaps at running back, maybe even Vlad at safety and Big Will on the defensive line.

Scratch your head and start remembering the Toledo game if:

• Denard starts throwing picks


• This game isn't over at the end of the first quarter


• Michigan didn't totally over look this game


• The Michigan defense gives up any points
  
  

Sing "Hail to the Victors" if:

• Tate plays 3 series with 21 points


• Denard is effective throwing the ball


• Michigan has 300 yards on the ground and 300 in the air


• Michigan finds the wide receivers in the offense with down field passes


• The Michigan D pitches a shut out


• We see a bunch of freshman get much needed playing time but nobody burns a redshirt that hasn't played.

Being home after two road losses should give the Wolverines the "home cooking" they need to win big in this game. Vegas doesn't even have a line on this one which is probably a good move. Michigan could hit 50 points if they want to. Michigan 48 Delaware State 3

Go BLUE!