My rock-solid season predictions for U-M and MSU
Ah, into the great unknown we go. Michigan and Michigan State are about to open their seasons wrapped in some uncertainty -- much more for the Wolverines, of course.
The Spartans generally are pegged for third in the Big Ten, and that's fair. But they're starting a new young quarterback, and joining Kirk Cousins will be a whole new batch of running backs. There's a ton of promise there, especially from freshmen Larry Caper and Edwin Baker, but we're about to see how valuable Javon Ringer was. I have a feeling he'll be missed more than people realize.
We're also about to see how good linebacker Greg Jones is, and I think he'll live up to his tremendous billing. The Spartans need to lean heavily on their defense as Cousins grows.
As for Michigan, people talk endlessly about the quarterbacks (guilty!), but I believe freshman Tate Forcier has the tools and smarts to develop quickly. The larger concern is a thin defense with inexperienced safeties who could be prone to surrendering big plays. Rich Rodriguez's speed-rich offense gradually will get more explosive; I'm just not sure there are enough impact players on that defense.
There's nothing really predictable about either team, no matter what you've heard. But I'll give it a shot anyway.
Michigan State will go 9-3, with losses at Notre Dame, at Illinois and home to Penn State. The Spartans will earn their second straight New Year's Day bowl bid.
Michigan will go 7-5, with losses at Michigan State, at Iowa and at Illinois, and home to Penn State and Ohio State. Yes, I have the Wolverines beating Notre Dame, although I reserve the right to change everything pending Saturday's game against Western Michigan.
Will the Wolverines be galvanized by controversy or crumble from it? I say it's a 65-35 chance they'll be galvanized. With so many young players, it might not matter.
Bob.wojnowski@detnews.com
