Michigan Football Predictions for 2008-2009

Time for our fearless predictions for this transitional year of Michigan football.

Nobody knows what to expect – new coach, new offense, only 1 ½ starters returning on offense. Many of the Big Ten schools have to believe that this is the year to beat Michigan. If not now, then when?

While we cannot play “what if’s” with what will not happen, the fact is that Michigan probably would have done poorly this year under Lloyd Carr. The returning quarterback Ryan Millet may have had great potential, but he performed poorly in every appearance. His transfer was not a loss.

Prediction 1: Michigan absolutely, positively will not lose under any circumstances this year to Appalachian State (LSU might conceivably lose though to ASU with a new quarterback transferring from Harvard).

Prediction 2: Michigan was out coached, out prepared, out conditioned, out hustled, and out played by Appalachian State. Not to mention that Michigan was slow. The Wolverines may lose under Rodriquez, but they will not falter in the fourth quarter by being out of shape.

Prediction 3: The two critical, early games are Utah this Saturday and Wisconsin on September 27. If Michigan beats Utah, or only loses narrowly, then it should go 9-3 in the regular season. If it loses big to Utah, then it may end up 5-7 or 6-6.

Prediction 4: Until they actually prove that they can coach, Charlie Weis at Notre Dame and Ron Zook at Illinois will not beat Michigan. They can recruit, but game planning and play calling are not their forte.

Prediction 5: Penn State will beat Michigan this year. That will be a good sendoff for Joe Pa.

Prediction 6: Just as Michigan State upset Michigan in Bo’s first year, they may do so again in Rick’s first year at the Michigan helm.

Prediction 7: A repeat of Bo’s first year with the epic 24-12 upset of Ohio State would be great, but that game was in Ann Arbor and this year’s matchup is in Columbus.

Prediction 8: Ohio State will not be in the BCS Championship game this year, much to the relief of almost everyone outside the Great State of Ohio.

Prediction 9: Ohio State will lose big to USC, as will Notre Dame, marking Charlie Weis' final game at Notre Dame


ALERNATIVE 1 (My preference)

Utah W

Miami (Ohio) W

Notre Dame W

Wisconsin W

Illinois W

Toledo W

6-0 at mid season

Penn State L

Michigan State L

Purdue W

Minnesota W

Northwestern W

Ohio State L


ALTERNATIVE 2

Utah L

Miami W

Notre Dame W

Wisconsin L

Illinois W

Toledo W

4-2 at mid season

Penn State L

Michigan State L

Purdue W

Minnesota W

Northwestern W

Ohio State L


Prediction 10: One of these years will witness Michigan beating USC in the Rose Bowl