The Michigan Wolverines have played one game more than half of their 2011 football schedule, and are sitting at 6-1.
The last game, a loss to Michigan State at East Lansing, started out well with an opening drive TD rush from Denard Robinson.
After that the Wolverines simply played poorly on offense, including being stopped on 4th and one deep in Spartan territory, a drive that would have put Michigan back in the game.
Th defense played well, forcing two turnovers that the offense failed to turn into points.
After a bye week you can be sure the coaching staff will have the Wolverines well prepared against Purdue this Saturday.
To me the best part of Michigan's play in 2011 has been the half time adjustments by defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.
Michigan, after allowing points by the boat load last year is allowing just 14.2 ppg., and the Wolverine defense has only allowed 14th quarter points.
After watching last week's Illinois-Purdue game, Michigan is certainly capable of beating both teams.
If Michigan gets through the next three games, Purdue, @ Iowa, and @ Illinois, at 2-1, that would give the Wolverines a 8-2 record heading into the final two games, both at home, against Nebraska and Ohio State.
I have watched Nebraska a couple of times, and they will be tough to beat, and from what I've seen from the Buckeyes I think it's clear that for the first time in quite a while, Michigan will have the better QB under center in Denard Robinson.
I think the coaches have been the #1 reason for Michigan's turn around this season, and I believe the team will be ready to play the rest of the schedule, and they are certainly capable of winning every game if they don't turn the ball over.
Now, as fans, we all know that Michigan is probably not going to win the last five games, but I think they can go 3-2, 4-1 even.
Eight or nine wins before the Big Ten Championship and/or the bowl trip would, to this Michigan fan, be a fantastic first season of Michigan Football under coach Brady Hoke.
These Michigan Football players, possibly for the first time in their Wolverine careers, believe in themselves, the coaching staff, and most importantly, what their supposed to do on the football field.
So, OK, I'll say it, I believe Michigan will end the regular season 9-3.
Wouldn't it be great to see that record be 10-2, Legends Division Champions, playing for the Big Ten Championship, and a trip to the Rose Bowl.
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