The Blue Board

We aren't really young, but there are a ton of ??? I am hoping the upper classmen step up and Pipkins can RS this year.

Big Will is physically ready to see the field, the problem with him is he can't get his butt down to save his life. Kid is strong as an ox but he doesn't play with leverage.

While I don't have high expectations for Big Will, I do have high hopes. He, along with Washington, Ash, Black, and potentially Pipkins, are the key to this defense. The whole back 7 is returning, those boys up front need to produce like Martin and Van Bergen did last year.

One thing that gives me hope is this is Big Will's last chance at showing he can make it in the league. It is now or never time for him.

As you guys already stated, having Coach Montgomery, Mattison, and Hoke gives me hope.

So says the fan of Ohio who predicted Michigan would win a total of 4 games last season. '93 needs to really accept what Gee said when Hoke was hired: "Ohio S*** fans should fear him". It will make the pain much more tolerable, my friend.

The more I look at this matchup the more I realize Bama will roll.

Barrett Jones will destroy Will Campbell in this game and it's all over from there. And Ondre Pipkins will be 0% ready to take on a guy like that. Michigan's 3-4 will be lined up right over Bama's three super elite OL. Bama will churn up yardage with that matchup.

Michigan has to have Denard extend plays and Bama have numerous break downs in the secondary which is possible but not probable at all. They won't be starting noobs. Just new starters.

Cause steen can't play center while barrett has the flexibility to play any position

Michigan runs a 4-3.

I didn’t know that, just assumed he could because he looks like a pretty athletic kid.

Michigan wins.

The key to this game for Michigan is Fitz Toussaint. If Michigan can get a run game going outside of Denard, they have a legit shot at running some clock and keeping Bama from just teeing off on Shoelaces. Though Bama has some young CBs, Michigan doesn't really have the WRs necessary to take advantage of that match-up; Roundtree's the best bet, but he's an elite slot guy playing flanker. Best bet is for Robinson to be able to extend plays with his legs and work Roundtree into good 1-on-1 match-ups off of play-action. Only way play-action works is with a viable RB, which brings this part full circle.

Playing a legit 3-4 is a problem for an OL featuring a new C; if he can't hold his own, the game will be over before it begins. I like the rest of UM's OL, especially the OTs, but if your C can't even put up a fight against the NT, the only place your team will be running is into the locker room.

Michigan has a shot in this game because Denard Robinson presents a match-up that's unique in college football. The concern is that he does not play well when he's being pressured (like all QBs) and he's been prone to bad passes in those situations.

Defensively, there's a legit concern about UM's DL vs. Alabama's OL. Saban loves a power-run game, and just because T-Rich is gone doesn't mean there's a hole at the RB position. Eddie Lacy is an excellent RB in his own right, and when you look at an OL returning 4/5 starters vs. a DL that's replacing 3/4, the match-up favors the experienced unit this early in the season. UM is going to have to force some turnovers; they were exceptional at fumble recoveries (T-1st nationally with 20), but were somewhat below average in terms of INTs (9 in 13 games). In short, the secondary is going to have to come up big in this game.

Should be a fun contest and one I'll be watching with great interest. As of right now, I think Alabama wins, but it won't be the absolute blowout on the scoreboard*. I'll say Bama 24, Michigan 13.

*All predictions subject to change as the off-season progresses and spring breakouts/injuries occur. Lots can change between now and September.

Has Webberlang ever posted about AU and not have a love feast (envy) of bigger bro? Or should i just go ahead and go the Pedro route..."your daddy"?

Solid analysis.