Purdue Recap, Wisconsin Preview

            The Michigan Wolverines settle for a sloppy victory in sloppy conditions beating Purdue 27-16. It snapped a two game winning streak that Purdue had against Michigan, the first time such a thing happened since the 60’s when Purdue was led by Bob Griese, so that was nice to get stopped. Other than the Penn State game this year, this was the worst I had seen the Wolverines play. The turnover bug showed up again with Michigan committing 5 turnovers once again this week bringing the total to 20 in the last 4 games. That is way too many for this team. Luckily they got to play one of the worst teams in the Big 10 in Purdue. Purdue played 3 quarterbacks play all who looked evenly bad as each other and only seemed to score off of bad Michigan turnovers. But, as every Nebraska fan says after their boring wins, a win is a win. I guess I’ll take that saying this week, a win is a win. Guess I finally agree with them, which is kind of weird. This win should be another small step forward and only helps the team keep going in the right direction. It will really help their chances of going to a better mediocre bowl game, and gives the defense the much needed confidence going into the two hardest games of the year.

            The defense played very well limiting Purdue to mostly field goals and giving the offense a chance to get a comfortable lead. That comfortable lead didn’t happen to come till the final two minutes though. The defense forced 5 turnovers and even scored a touchdown as true freshman Cam Gordon returned a 58 yard fumble for the games opening touchdown. Too bad the offense did the same thing, giving up a score, and 5 turnovers. The defense was without two of there top performers on defense as linebacker Jonas Mouton rested an injured chest muscle and defensive tackle Mike Martin took the week off due to a lingering ankle injury. Both got to rest their injuries in preparation for the next game they will be more needed in then this game against Purdue. Senior James Rogers had his best game of his career as he had both interceptions, so that was good to see ex wide receiver catch some passes again. Hopefully with the way the Illinois game ended and now how the defense played today it was a big confidence booster to them.

            The offense looked awful in the rain, and I put a lot of the blame on the offensive line who couldn’t establish anytime of movement all game. The offensive line looked like they were stuck in the mud, and especially at the tackle spot just letting the Purdue ends run right by them. Then when Michigan did move the ball it seemed like a holding, or chop block would be called negating the play. Denard was then forced to try and make plays and it seemed like it always helped Purdue. Michigan got down to the two yard line and a holding play brought it back to a 3 and 12 and an interception that would be returned 98 yards for a touchdown. Plays like that seemed to let Purdue stay within 4 points most of the game. Instead of being up 21 to 6 it was 14 to 13 at halftime. Tate Forcier even got a chance to come in and he also struggled getting the team to do anything. I thought the game plan was thrown out the window early due to the line sucking, and the staff just prayed for a score.

The weather made sure with the kicking woes already this season that it was even going to be a struggle to make and extra point, so I am pretty sure nobody actually thought they would make that field goal they tried. As for the special teams, they are literally pretty “special” this year. The one bright spot on the whole offense was running back Vincent Smith who rushed for 99 yards on 18 carries, and Roy Roundtree who once again took a catch to the house for a touchdown. I bet the Purdue fans just cringe when Roundtree or Shaw touched the ball as both of them were guaranteed going there until they changed their minds at noon on signing day. That would be a tough pill to swallow

I hope this was the weather that held this offense back, because it was hands down awful to watch. They did score 4 touchdowns, but the turnovers and couple bad passes made this hard to watch. This game really should have been a blow out from the start. Guess they just like to keep it interesting.

            The Wolverines will now head back home for senior night to host the Wisconsin Badgers, who many people are saying are the best one loss team in the country. It could be a very scary game or it could be a shocking upset, it is never certain with this Wolverines team. I am hoping playing at home for the last time and honoring the few seniors that stuck around get sent off the right way. The Badgers are coming off a crazy 80 point performance against Indiana as they scored every possession. That will not happen this week I can guarantee you that, but how many times will Michigan stop them is the big question. The line came out and Michigan was only 4 point underdogs and I was stopped in my tracks. I personally don’t agree as even I think this game was one that Michigan would lose. They have been playing better on defense and with that offense they have a chance to put up 40 anytime. Now can they get to 40 and win? If Michigan doesn’t turnover the ball and the special teams isn’t awful then yes, this game will be a good one. If they do turn the ball over it could get out of reach like when they played Iowa. With that said, I think the coach with the Hawkeye tattoo is victorious and his team wins 41 – 31. I sure hope I am wrong.