Staff Predictions: Michigan at Maryland
There are two games to go in one of the most unbelievable seasons in Michigan football history, and the Wolverines are America’s Team … under the microscope. A great collection of kids and talent, one of the most impressive we’ve covered in Ann Arbor, is being dragged through the mud with people saying “they only won because they stole signs.”
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Nobody really believes that, of course — especially those who got their butts kicked and didn’t have that excuse (Ohio State last year, Purdue, Michigan State, Penn State, etc.). It’s a coping mechanism, and the mob has bought the narrative spun by talking heads who been told what to say.
So … the only recourse is to win and keep winning. Next up — Mike Locksley, Josh Gattis, and a Maryland team that sometimes shows up, sometimes doesn’t. Does anyone really believe this is the team that’s going to derail one of the most talented, mentally strong teams in recent history, a week after the Wolverines handled a team that put 51 on them?
We didn’t think so. So while dozens of eyes will be on the battle in Bloomington between Indiana and Michigan State for the Old Spit Bucket (or whatever it’s called), Michigan will continue its mission of going through a second straight regular season undefeated and putting the idiocy on the backburner for another week. The only thing that will really make is subside, though … well, we all know that comes a week later. And we’re guessing they can’t wait.
That’s two in a row for the author, who his teammates rightfully point out only posts the winner when it’s him (don’t like it, don’t play … joking. You have no choice). This week’s winner gets his name in print in next week’s column. We promise.
The picks:
CHRIS BALAS: Thank God … finally, a football game in between soap opera acts. We expect this team to take care of business Saturday and set up an epic match-up with the Buckeyes. Maryland isn’t the team that’s going to end this mission. Michigan 45, Maryland 13
JOHN BORTON: There are 1,000 reasons Jim Harbaugh should be on the Michigan sideline for the Maryland game. But with him or without him, the angry mission continues unabated. Michigan 41, Maryland 13
CLAYTON SAYFIE: We’ll see what good ole Josh Gattis has cooked up for the Michigan defense, which hasn’t gotten enough credit for how good it’s been in its second season under Jesse Minter. The Wolverines should get their passing attack going, too, and use the boost of confidence last week gave them on the ground. As sophomore EDGE Derrick Moore said this week, it’s important to not show any weaknesses in this one that the Buckeyes can exploit. Play clean, stay healthy and move on to ‘The Game.’ Michigan 42, Maryland 10
ANTHONY BROOME: The penultimate game of the regular season is typically seen as a potential trap game on the schedule. I don’t know that this Michigan team is capable of letting that happen, especially with what’s been going on with Jim Harbaugh. They showed last week that they were capable of winning a big game with Sherrone Moore leading the way. They’re all big games now. No let up this week. Michigan 42, Maryland 13
DOUG SKENE: Maryland isn’t a trap game, nor will it be a letdown game. There will be no lack of focus or complacency. There will be no team boredom with another opponent that doesn’t match up to Michigan. I expect more refined results, effort, desire, and motivation from Michigan to impose themselves as they rise toward their biggest opportunities ahead. Michigan’s offensive line needs to clean up their pass protection and the defense should not allow any room to run. Michigan 42, Maryland 9
