The Copper Bowl

Time:  10:15 EST
Location:  Tempe, AZ
Weather:  Mid 60's Mostly Cloudy
TV: EPSN
Line:  Michigan +6

So do I understand this correctly?  Michigan is playing in a bowl game that changes it's name every time a sponsor drops out, that will end around 1:30AM EST and their starting QB and kicker is not available?  

If a game starts on Saturday night but ends Sunday morning, did it ever happen or is it just a dream?  I guess we will find out.

Michigan's two top scoring treats in their starting QB and kicker is "out" tonight.  That leads to the question:  Where is Michigan going to get points?

Shane Morris a true freshman will be making his first start in a bowl game and Matt Wile, who is filling in for Michigan's suspended punter will kick-off, punt and attempt field goals and extra points.  If he has any extra time maybe he can keep the official stats and announce the game.  I have been this excited about a bowl game since the Wolverines played in the Bluebonnet Bowl in 1981.  Can you name who Michigan played?  UCLA is the answer.  (It was actually a decent game against two ranked teams, Michigan won 33-14 and Butch Woolfolk was the MVP, so probably not the best example to tonight's Cooper Bowl).

Potential Upside:  MSU played in the Copper last year and this year season won the Big Ten and a earned a trip to the Rose Bowl.   So maybe this bowl game is a precursor for good things to come.

Tale of the Tape

Michigan's Rushing O vs. KSU D = Push
Michigan Passing O vs. KSU D = TBD but probably a KSU lean
Shane Morris vs. Lack of Experience = KSU
KSU offense vs. Michigan D = Michigan
Does anything good happen after Midnight = Probably not!

KSU doesn't have a great rushing defense and Michigan's rushing game has been stopped by everyone this year.   There were signs of improvement against Ohio State with Green and Smith getting more touches.  Hopefully, two weeks of practices have helped the offensive line and getting the running backs to hit the holes.   If Michigan can gain some first downs on the ground it will make Morris's job much easier in the passing game.   Big Al might even have to dust off a few screen plays to keep some drives alive.

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

• Michigan has it's best rushing game of the year
• Shane can limit his turnovers to one
• Michigan's defense can keep KSU under 17 points
• Big Al is calling good plays instead of working on his resume
• Jake Ryan of 2013 becomes Jake Ryan of 2012
• Michigan's WR's bail out the freshman

Say 2013 can't get over fast enough if................

• Michigan looks pre-historic on offense with Big Al and the Freshman
• Michigan's bend but don't break defense breaks
• Michigan turns the ball over regularly on offense
• The 2013 curse continues

Michigan's year fell flat when Devin's final pass (with a broken foot) was interception in the end zone by Ohio State.  They have a chance at some respectability by beating a pretty poor KSU team with one hand tied behind it's back with out Gibbons and Gardner. 

The Michigan staff will try to win this game but will use it has a glorified exhibition and we should see more young players like Taco and Dymonte getting more snaps that usual.   I feel bad for the seniors like Gallon and Lewan,they deserved better then this season provided. 

Michigan will run the ball a lot and incorporate a short low risk passing game to try to get Shane's confidence up.  Big Al has known for a month that Devin was out and should have prepared Shane properly with 14 practices with starter snaps.   The story line of this game is no different then it's been all year: if Michigan doesn't turn the ball over the defense will give them a chance to win, even if its a shoot out.  No offense to Kansas State, but this game is more about what Michigan can't do then what KSU can.

I don't expect this game to be a thing of beauty and the goal is to build for the future.   The countdown to Peppers on campus starts at 2:00 AM EST on Sunday morning!

Michigan 10 KSU 21

Go Blue!