Michigan Wolverines 2011 College Football Preview with Predictionsand Schedule
Still can’t get over the fiasco that took place at one of the most prized college football programs in the Nation. Speaking of course, of the hiring, and then firing, of Rich Rodriguez. What were they thinking? Even a casual football fan would have to have realized that there were going to be immense growing pains. Taking an entire football team recruited by Lloyd Carr and having Rodriguez come in and introduce the spread offense.
There had to be a long term commitment to that hire and there obviously wasn’t. Rodriguez should have been given at least 5 years to make the team his own. As it was, he won more Games in each of his three seasons, winning 3, 5 and then 7 Games. The offense was the best in the Big 10 last year, so, goal ACComplished there. Unfortunately, the defense was horrendous, giving up on average 35 points per Game.
Now what? They bring in Brady Hoke, initially from Ball State, spending his last two years with San Diego State. Now Hoke will scrap the spread offense in favor of a pro style attack, which means all of Rodriguez’ recruits, recruited for the spread attack, must learn Hoke’s scheme. That includes QB Denard Robinson who was fantastic in the spread offense. The whole thing looks like a mess to us.
They return almost the entire offense, 9 starters, and 7 on defense, but, not so sure if that really matters. As mentioned, the defense was horrible and now the offense will likely be handcuffed.
Fortunately for Michigan, their first 8 Games appear winnable. It’s the last 4 that could kill them. The finish at Iowa, at Illinois and then at home against Nebraska and Ohio State. It’s going to be interesting to watch. Michigan will likely win some Games and go to a bowl, but the last 4 Games will dictate whether that’s a major bowl or a minor one.
2011 Michigan Wolverines Football Schedule
Sept. 3 Western Michigan
Sept. 10 Notre Dame
Sept. 17 Eastern Michigan
Sept. 24 San Diego State
Oct. 1 Minnesota
Oct. 8 at Northwestern
Oct. 15 at Michigan State
Oct. 22 Bye Week
Oct. 29 Purdue (Homecoming)
Nov. 5 at Iowa
Nov. 12 at Illinois
Nov. 19 Nebraska
Nov. 26 Ohio State