This Game Really Matters

Last week, Nebraska took on Penn State in a game where the athletic contest paled in comparison to the human emotions that were going on around around the country in regard to Penn State. This week, Nebraska travels to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan. Both teams come into the game with 8-2 records in a game that will be televised by ESPN with an 11:00 a.m. kickoff. This game matters as the loser will be eliminated from the chase for the Big Ten Conference championship.

Brady Hoke is in his first year as the coach of the Wolverines. He had successful stops along the way at Ball State and San Diego State. His teams like to be physical on both sides of the ball. But when you talk ab\out Michigan, you have to start with the straw that stirs the drink, quarterback Denard Robinson.

Robinson (6-feet, 195 pounds, Junior) is fun to watch on the football field. Robinson known by the colorful nickname of Shoelace, is one of the best running quarterbacks in all of college football. He averages over 91 yards per game on the ground with 12 touchdowns. At the same time, Robinson can hurt you with the pass. He completes 53.5 percent of his passes for over 170 yards per game with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His ability to put pressure on the edge of the defense will make things tough for the Blackshirts. Last year Robinson was one of the favorites for the Heisman Trophy, before he was slowed down late last season by injuries. In 2011, his passing numbers have slipped, but he is healthier than a year ago. On every snap, Robinson is dangerous. His backup is Devin Gardner (6-4, 205, So.) that will see some action.

Michigan likes to run the football. Besides Robinson, tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint (5-10, 195, So.) is a quality slashing runner. He looks to cutback often against the flow of the defense. He averages over 83 yards per game on the ground with seven touchdowns. The Wolverines will be tough to beat if they are able to run the ball on the Huskers.

The Michigan receivers have some talent. Junior Hemingway (6-1, 222, Sr.) leads the way with 28 catches for 557 yards. On the other side, Roy Roundtree (6-0, 177, Jr.) is a better player than his statistics have shown in 2011. Senior tight end Kevin Koger (6-4, 258) has just 17 receptions this season, but leads the team with three touchdown grabs. Nebraska must be ready for the play-action pass. Robinson is much better when the threat of the run is there and he can throw over the defense.

The Michigan offensive line averages over 6-4 and better than 296 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. Senior center David Molk (6-2, 286) may be a little undersized like Mike Caputo of Nebraska, but he is the leader up front. This line is better at run blocking, but the pass blocking does not have to be great when Robinson can scramble out against pressure and hurt the defense.

The Wolverines have made a drastic improvement on defense from a year ago. Michigan gives up 15.5 points per game, 127 yards per contest rushing and 190 per game through the air. Three defenders merit special mention here. Middle linebacker Kenny Demens (6-1, 248, Jr.) leads the team with 73 total tackles. Up front, Craig Roh (6-5, 269, Jr.) is a solid defensive end. Inside Mike Martin (6-2, 304, Sr.) is a fine run stopper. The linebackers are a little slow and may make a few mistakes, but this defense tackles much better than the porous 2010 Michigan defense.

Michigan again  does not match up on special teams with the Huskers. Kicker Brendan Gibbons (6-1, 227, So.) is only 8 of 11 (72.7 percent) on field goals. His longest kick is just a 38 yarder. Sophomore punter Will Hagerup averages only 35.8 yards per punt. The Wolverine return men have also been less than impressive. Receiver Jeremy Gallon (5-8, 185, So.) has been the best as a punt returner.

This game is tough to call. Nebraska must take care of the football if they are to win. Robinson has not been effective throwing the ball the second half of this season. The Huskers maintain a big edge in the kicking game. If they can utilize that advantage, they can win. I like Nebraska 24-14 over Michigan.