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Intangibles On Wolverines Side Saturday
There are two ways of looking at the Michigan-Ohio State game Saturday. The most obvious is that Michigan is going to get crushed. It’s unlikely Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is going to pull any punches. If the game does get out of hand, expect the Buckeyes to pour it on.
But the other side is opportunity. Michigan’s season is this game. If the Wolverines win it - as improbable as it may seem - virtually all that happened before will be wiped clean.
All of a sudden, Rich Rodriguez won’t be such a bad coach. The future would look a lot brighter.
It would be viewed as one of the greatest victories in the history of Michigan football.
With that on the line, don’t be surprised if Michigan gives an inspired effort. Ohio State’s motivation will be low compared to usual for this game. The Buckeyes have beaten the Wolverines like a drum in recent years. Michigan has not looked impressive in the least. Overconfidence could be an issue. The intangible factors are clearly on the Wolverines side.
Random Thoughts
- Logic doesn’t dictate this, but it is reality: It is going to be very difficult Saturday for Michigan State fans to root for Michigan on Saturday - even if a Wolverines’ upset gives the Spartans a crack at the Rose Bowl.
- It would be a good trade to deal Dontrelle Willis to Boston for shortstop Julio Lugo. I don’t see where it would be a good trade to deal Nate Robertson for Lugo, though. Robertson makes less money than Willis, and while he may have had an off season in 2007, he appears more ready than Willis for a bounce back season.
- Don’t know why. Call me crazy. I just have a feeling the Lions best chance to win a game the remainder of this season will be Sunday against Tampa Bay. Seems like having so many ex-Bucs will work in the Lions’ favor.
But the other side is opportunity. Michigan’s season is this game. If the Wolverines win it - as improbable as it may seem - virtually all that happened before will be wiped clean.
All of a sudden, Rich Rodriguez won’t be such a bad coach. The future would look a lot brighter.
It would be viewed as one of the greatest victories in the history of Michigan football.
With that on the line, don’t be surprised if Michigan gives an inspired effort. Ohio State’s motivation will be low compared to usual for this game. The Buckeyes have beaten the Wolverines like a drum in recent years. Michigan has not looked impressive in the least. Overconfidence could be an issue. The intangible factors are clearly on the Wolverines side.
Random Thoughts
- Logic doesn’t dictate this, but it is reality: It is going to be very difficult Saturday for Michigan State fans to root for Michigan on Saturday - even if a Wolverines’ upset gives the Spartans a crack at the Rose Bowl.
- It would be a good trade to deal Dontrelle Willis to Boston for shortstop Julio Lugo. I don’t see where it would be a good trade to deal Nate Robertson for Lugo, though. Robertson makes less money than Willis, and while he may have had an off season in 2007, he appears more ready than Willis for a bounce back season.
- Don’t know why. Call me crazy. I just have a feeling the Lions best chance to win a game the remainder of this season will be Sunday against Tampa Bay. Seems like having so many ex-Bucs will work in the Lions’ favor.
posted by Pat Caputo at
1:39 PM
11 Comments:
Hey Pat, trading one bad contract for another is not a desired position you do not want to be too often. Luge does have speed and his range should be okay. He did make a lot of errors last year, though. I hope this is their last resort of finding a ss. I am not totally against offering arbitration to Renteria if this is the case ,unless they get stuck with 9 million contract. I think first round draft picks are becoming important if someone signs him.
Hey Pat. Remember when you were making fun of the possibility of the Wolverines having to hire Brady Hoke last winter? Wonder if Wolverine fans and you guys in the media would still turn your noses up at that now? You gave the guy no respect. The man is obviously a good head coach, and I think he might have been a better fit than Rich Rodriguez. He has U-M ties, I have to believe he would have been more flexible in his approach and would have done more with the talent on Michigan's roster. You really scoffed at this guy on the air. Admit it. I'm curious if your thinking has changed about Hoke being a joke!
Nope to including Robertson in a deal with Boston for Lugo. As for Willis - absolutely. Trade him. Give him away.
But SS is not our most vulnerable spot.
That being said, I have been expecting Nate to ask to be traded since his move to the bullpen - but I think Nate has better days ahead.
I would prefer an infielder who has a name the PA announcer can sing - like "Placido Polanco" or "Aurelio Rodríguez". Lugo doesn't sing well. Nor does Inge.
That's why my wife loves Maglio Ordonez.
I can't wait for this weekend to be over - this Michigan State hates Michigan thing is driving me nuts. Sorry.
Barry,
I think Renteria is more of a possibility than was orginially thought. If they were to bring him back, the emphasis would be on getting him in better physical condition.
Caputo
Anonymous,
Absolutely I was wrong. Hoke has done a terrific job at Ball State and is a much better coach than I gave him credit for at the time. Good point.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
I agree about Robertson. I have nothing, really, to base this on other than he kind of a bulldog attitude, but I think he'll have a pretty good season - as a starter -in 2009.
Caputo
I think State has a good shot on Saturday, as long as they keep it close. If they loose touch I can't see them coming back
Michigan will get hammered. I don't know what the problem is, but something is not right yet. I think Rodriquez will be a good coach for them in time, but there may be a culture for him to change along with a system and players. I really tire of folks jumping off the bandwagon. I will ask again as I did this spring, where has it ever worked to change an entire coaching staff and playing system, go with freshman QB's and still put up a winning season?
Lions by six on sunday.
Allan
Allan,
I just know it looks like both games will be interesting. If either team wins, it will be a big upset.
Caputo
I disagree with you guys about Nate Robertson. What has he ever done? I'm sick of his so-called buldog" attitude. He is NOT a winner. Willis has a history of success in the major leagues. He has won on bad basebal teams. Nate Robertson barely won on a World Series team. You guys have blinders on when it comes to Robertson, if he is so good how other GM's aren't pounding on the Tiger's door to acquire him?
Anonymous,
I see exactly where you are coming from on Robertson. My point is it relative. If you were to give up one or the other in trade, what would make more sense. Robertson or Willis?
Caputo
Just couldn't do it. Rooted for Ohio State. State Grad 1981.
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