The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/137378
M According to Lindy's preseason magazine, the showdown between Brady Hoke's Wolverines and Brian Kelly's Fighting Irish is the No. 8 nonconference game of the 2013 campaign. photo by lon horwedel Sporting News expected the Wolverines to get solid play from both tackles: "Lewan is among the nation's best lineman, and senior right tackle Michael Schofield is a stalwart." Athlon pegged Lewan as a first-team All-American, the lone Big Ten offensive player to receive that distinction (Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby, Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier and Northwestern return specialist Venric Mark were also tabbed first-team All-Americans). Bowl Game Predictions Although the national pundits expect this to be Ohio State's year, they still look for big things from the Wolverines. A trip to the Big Ten Championship Game — even with a loss to Ohio State — should be good enough to nab a spot in a BCS bowl. Lindy's BCS Projections Rose Bowl, Jan. 1: Michigan vs. Stanford Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 1: Oklahoma vs. Oregon Sugar Bowl, Jan. 2: Texas A&M vs. Florida State Orange Bowl, Jan. 3: Clemson vs. Louisville BCS National Championship, Jan. 6: Ohio State vs. Alabama Sporting News BCS Projections Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State Fiesta Bowl: Michigan vs. Oklahoma State Sugar Bowl: South Carolina vs. Notre Dame Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Louisville BCS National Championship: Alabama vs. Stanford Games Of The Year Several Michigan matchups are among the most anticipated games of the 2013 season. Lindy's ranked Michigan's home game versus Notre Dame as the No. 8 non-conference game of the 2013 season, saying: "Brian Kelly and Brady Hoke have brought back these great programs, in short order, pushing this game into must-see territory." They also ranked MichiganOhio State as the No. 9 conference game of the season, saying: "Urban Meyer is 1-up on Brady Hoke, who doesn't want to become the rivalry whipping boy like Lloyd Carr was to Jim Tressel." Sporting News also highlighted those two games, as the biggest games in the country on their respective weekends (Michigan plays Notre Dame Sept. 7 and Ohio State Nov. 30). They also highlighted Michigan at Michigan State (Nov. 2) and Nebraska at Michigan (No. 9) as Games To Watch. Of the Ohio State game, they said: "The Big Ten nightmare scenario: two unbeaten in The Game; one loses here, the other loses the following week in the Big Ten Championship Game — and prevents the conference from playing in the BCS National Championship Game." The Best One-Liners 1. Lindy's: "The Wolverines should be considered among the favorites in the Legends Division, hoping to make their first appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game. A home game against Notre Dame looms the second week; with a win there, the Wolverines should be able to build momentum for a tough second half of the season." 2. Athlon: "If the offensive line can find its way with three new starters, and a reliable tailback emerges, the Wolverines could make it back to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 2006." 3. Sporting News: "Michigan has a lot of talent on its roster, but it might need one more year before hitting the big stage. The good news is Gardner has the potential to be a first-rate quarterback and is perfect for Borges' system. The bad news is the rest of the skill-position players are untested. … Expect flashes of brilliance from the Wolverines, but sustained excellence will be elusive." 4. Phil Steele's: "Their road schedule is considerably softer with no preseason top-10 teams. U-M is a legitimate contender to get to the Big Ten Title Game, and this would be the only year they could play Ohio State in back-to-back weeks if they get there." The Wolverine 2013 Football Preview ■ 15