Badgers @ Wolverines, Post Game Discussion.

[Ghengis Jon]

It could very well just be a sloppy puntfest. M 17-13.

[hodgkal]

As of 6:30 this AM the prediction is 50% chance of rain at kickoff diminishing to 30% by 5PM. I am in AA with my med school reunion and will be at the game. Will try to get over to Doug's tailgate beforehand.

[iam416]

Losing Biegel is a pretty big deal.

[Detroit Dan]

Every single prediction I've seen is for Michigan to win, which is kind of scary given Wisconsin's record. Nevertheless, the Biegel injury does help in that regard. Both teams have been playing well, but Michigan also has the home field advantage. I hope it doesn't rain too much.

[Cody_Russell]

I agree with The Oracle's assessment.
This game reminds me of NW vs Michigan last year (Michigan won 38-0 btw). NW beat Stanford week 1 last year, just as Wisconsin beat LSU.
Freshman QB at the Big House... Out Vince Biegel... Starting kicker and punter are out (though the replacements for Wisconsin seem serviceable, just not as good).
Troy Fumagalli worries me, but he isn't explosive or anything.
Contain him on 3rd down conversions and you'll be good ... McCray, Gedeon, Peppers, Hill, or Thomas...

[The Oracle]

That wasn't my assessment BTW...Pro Football Focus. I think somewhere in the 31-13 range.

[Cody_Russell]

That wasn't my assessment BTW...Pro Football Focus. I think somewhere in the 31-13 range.

Ah yes, I see that now.

Perhaps it's obvious: I'm thinking the biggest threat for Michigan to give up points to Wisconsin is off turnovers.
Michigan only has 2 turnovers this season so far (1 was on the first drive vs Hawaii). Wisconsin has forced several turnovers so far this season, but they are minus Biegel. Watt has been a good LB and Cichy has history... I think Cichy had sacks on 3 straight plays in a Wisconsin game last year.
Wisconsin went for it on 4th down twice in MSU territory last game. Their backup kicker made a 41 yard kick, but maybe Wisconsin isn't that confident in this guy.

That's why I'm predicting: Michigan 26, Wisconsin 7. Slight chance for the shutout because Wisconsin isn't as good in the kicking game due to injuries. Just avoid turnovers please.

[UMStan White]

I must be the only person outside the State of Wisconsin who thinks they win it. 24-17 Wisky

[Detroit Dan]

Yes, UMStan, yours is the first pick I've seen for the Badgers.

[jaadam4]

3 of the 4 schmucks on Around The Horn picked Wisconsin as well.

[The Oracle]

Schmucks is right. Guarantee no one on that show has seen a down of Michigan or Wisconsin...and I have no idea who was on there today.

[AlabamAlum]

Michigan wins. 10 points.


BOOK IT!

[Wellington_beefhouser]

Called the booky and booked it. 10 points + 15 more. Michigan by 25. I may lose my wife and house.

[hack]

Is she heavily mortgaged?

[Jeff Buchanan]

Took a look at the NOAA Discussion and maps. There's a low pressure system stalled and spinning right along the Indiana/Kentucky boarder but conditions don't support heavy rain in SE MI and it will dissipate as the morning progresses. After 3p there may be some increased shower activity as the conditions along this low pressure trough do support some increased rain chances later in the afternoon but it will be light and sporadic.

Right now, on the Radar, there's a band of showers along the Eastern side of Lake Michigan that is lifting northeastward and well clear of Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor and the surrounding area is cloudy but dry.

I don't see any huge downpours or lightning affecting the game but NOAA has kept a chance of that in the forecast. I'd say the WX is a little better looking this morning than it was on Wednesday when it looked like the game would be a wash-out. There's a gal who does a weather report at mgoblog, she's a USAF Forecaster, who is even calling for some sun trying to find it's way out by kick-off.