I didn't see a thread for this yet, but given this is OSU's biggest rival and current biggest threat in the Big Ten are playing each other, thought I'd start one up.
I'm a little fascinated about this game that I'm assuming most think will be a blowout. I have a hard time seeing Michigan slowing Oregon's passing game given the way their CBs have been picked on all year. But it's possible that their interior DL can do something that OSU's couldn't and that's take advantage of Oregon's weak spot there. They have seemed to shore it up since their opening games against Idaho and Boise where the middle of their line couldn't block anyone. And Michigan's DL couldn't do anything against a Texas OL that got destroyed by Georgia, so maybe they'll be stymied again.
On the other side, Michigan is going to have to run and keep control of the ball. Oregon's defense can be gotten, as OSU moved the ball pretty easily. But Oregon was able to slow their run game once Simmons went out. One X factor is that it is a time zone game. Oregon did win at Purdue, but this has generally worked to level the field and put the traveling team at a distinct disadvantage.
Overall, I'm not sure I can see Michigan winning but I would be surprised if Oregon covers the 16 points.
I'm a little fascinated about this game that I'm assuming most think will be a blowout. I have a hard time seeing Michigan slowing Oregon's passing game given the way their CBs have been picked on all year. But it's possible that their interior DL can do something that OSU's couldn't and that's take advantage of Oregon's weak spot there. They have seemed to shore it up since their opening games against Idaho and Boise where the middle of their line couldn't block anyone. And Michigan's DL couldn't do anything against a Texas OL that got destroyed by Georgia, so maybe they'll be stymied again.
On the other side, Michigan is going to have to run and keep control of the ball. Oregon's defense can be gotten, as OSU moved the ball pretty easily. But Oregon was able to slow their run game once Simmons went out. One X factor is that it is a time zone game. Oregon did win at Purdue, but this has generally worked to level the field and put the traveling team at a distinct disadvantage.
Overall, I'm not sure I can see Michigan winning but I would be surprised if Oregon covers the 16 points.
