July 21, 2008

Is Michigan's bowl streak in jeopardy?

New Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez knows he has his work cut out for him to build a new legacy at UM, but one has to wonder if the Wolverine's bowl legacy is in jeopardy this year.

Michigan holds the current mark for the consecutive bowl game appearances with 33 straight bowl games. (The Husker fans in the crowd would be upset if I didn't mention that the record is held by Nebraska at 35 straight bowl games.)

Despite the implementing a new offense and defense, there's no question that Coach Rod intends to win. So, let's look at the Michigan Wolverines football schedule to see if the Wolverines streak is likely to continue... or snap in 2008.

UTAH - This game could make for a rude welcome to the Rich Rod era in Ann Arbor. UM opens as a 7 point home favorite, but... there's no question that the Utes are absolutely in this game. I think Michigan has more talent to put on the field, but Utah -- returning 17 starters -- will be better prepared and gets the win. LOSS. 0-1.

MIAMI OH - The Redhawks might come into Ann Arbor with some hope, but they won't leave with any as UM pulls to 1-1 on the season. WIN. 1-1.

@ Notre Dame - The Irish have to better than the were last year, right? Right? Although I will probably regret this one day... I think Notre Dame wins a close game, dropping Michigan. LOSS. 1-2.

WISCONSIN - For the first time in a long time, the Wolverines will be overmatched by the Badgers. LOSS. 1-3

ILLINOIS - Yes, the Illini made the Rose Bowl last season. That was last year... and the Wolverines need a win by this point (and I need to hedge a little) and get the dubya. WIN. 2-3

TOLEDO - Michigan rolls. Period. WIN. 3-3

@ Penn State - This could end up being a classic Michigan-PSU game, but I like Penn State in this one. LOSS. 3-4

MICHIGAN STATE - I think Rich Rod gets off to a good start against an in-state rival. WIN. 4-4

@ Purdue - This could end up being a trap game for the Wolverines, with a lot of emotion on the part of the Boilers as they try send Tiller out with a win against UM. I'm thinking upset here, but... I'll go with Michigan for now. WIN. 5-4

@ Minnesota - W. Count it. WIN. 6-4

NORTHWESTERN - Another W... maybe the last one of the year. WIN. 7-4

@ Ohio State - This one won't get ugly, but it might feel that way. LOSS. 7-5

So... from the looks of things, the streak should be safe, but it's not a certainty by any means. Michigan has a lot of talent, but no one can accurately predict just how quickly the team will gel. A couple of turnovers or breakdowns could turn a game I perceive to be a W into a loss.

If UM fails to make a bowl game this season -- which is certainly a possibility -- then the streak would likely pass to Florida State, who has an active streak of 26 straight bowl games.

So... while Rich Rod is trying to set a course for the future, he better watch his six. I know RR doesn't want to be the coach that snapped the streak.

Posted by Kevin Donahue

Comments:

Is Michigan's bowl streak in jeopardy?
New Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez knows he has his work cut out for him to build a new legacy at UM, but one has to wonder if the Wolverine's bowl legacy is in jeopardy this year. Michigan holds the current mark for the consecutive bowl game appearances with 33 straight bowl games. (The Husker fans in the crowd would be upset if I didn't mention that the record is held by Nebraska at 35 straight bowl games.) Despite the implementing a new offense and defense, there's no question that Coach Rod intends to win. So, let's look at the Michigan Wolverines football schedule to see if the Wolverines streak is likely to continue... or snap in 2008. UTAH - This game could make for a rude welcome to the Rich Rod era in Ann Arbor. UM opens as a 7 point home favorite, but... there's no question that the Utes are absolutely in this game. I think Michigan has more talent to put on the field, but Utah -- returning 17 starters -- will be better prepared and gets the win. LOSS. 0-1. MIAMI OH - The Redhawks might come into Ann Arbor with some hope, but they won't leave with any as UM pulls to 1-1 on the season. WIN. 1-1. @ Notre Dame - The Irish have to better than the were last year, right? Right? Although I will probably regret this one day... I think Notre Dame wins a close game, dropping Michigan. LOSS. 1-2. WISCONSIN - For the first time in a long time, the Wolverines will be overmatched by the Badgers. LOSS. 1-3 ILLINOIS - Yes, the Illini made the Rose Bowl last season. That was last year... and the Wolverines need a win by this point (and I need to hedge a little) and get the dubya. WIN. 2-3 TOLEDO - Michigan rolls. Period. WIN. 3-3 @ Penn State - This could end up being a classic Michigan-PSU game, but I like Penn State in this one. LOSS. 3-4 MICHIGAN STATE - I think Rich Rod gets off to a good start against an in-state rival. WIN. 4-4 @ Purdue - This could end up being a trap game for the Wolverines, with a lot of emotion on the part of the Boilers as they try send Tiller out with a win against UM. I'm thinking upset here, but... I'll go with Michigan for now. WIN. 5-4 @ Minnesota - W. Count it. WIN. 6-4 NORTHWESTERN - Another W... maybe the last one of the year. WIN. 7-4 @ Ohio State - This one won't get ugly, but it might feel that way. LOSS. 7-5 So... from the looks of things, the streak should be safe, but it's not a certainty by any means. Michigan has a lot of talent, but no one can accurately predict just how quickly the team will gel. A couple of turnovers or breakdowns could turn a game I perceive to be a W into a loss. If UM fails to make a bowl game this season -- which is certainly a possibility -- then the streak would likely pass to Florida State, who has an active streak of 26 straight bowl games. So... while Rich Rod is trying to set a course for the future, he better watch his six. I know RR doesn't want to be the coach that snapped the streak.