Peabrain here: I will admit, it is inconceivable that we lose to you guys. That being said, I do think it will be a closer game then our fans suggest, for three quarters...we will win by 13 ish + though.
I’m not sold on Franks. He has elite arm talent and size, but tends to throw to first choice only and let’s emotion get the best of him. That hurt us in the middle of last year, but when he harnessed it properly, he became very difficult for defenses to handle. Our Oline is talented but limited in experience, so your front 7 may wreak havoc and cause Franks to make a few mistakes early. Good news for us: between RB, TE, and WR we have at least 6 guys that will play in the NFL one day.
I saw a few people commenting on Pierce a few pages back. He’s our 3rd string RB right now and will be a 3rd down back in the NFL one day. Perine will rush for 80 + and we will rotate at least 3 backs that will all average 5+ yards a carry. They are good enough to take heat off Franks for a few drives until he’s comfortable.
Our wide receiving core is well above average and possibly one of deepest in the country. That being said, they are only going to be as good as the guy throwing to them. I anticipate a few silly quick screens and slants to negate your speed rush advantage. Then throw a few 65+ yard passes deep that never get caught.
Defense is an interesting one. Your front 7 on paper is one of the best around. We have a lot of talent and some very good players, but it’s still up in the air if they are elite. Your front 7 is better than ours, but I believe we hold the advantage in the trenches. (Your dline vs our oline < our online vs your dline).
Our two starting CB’s are first round talent. Henderson is a sure fire first rounder given health, and Marco is possibly even better. Blowing his knee out in game two last year certainly knocked his “stock” down, but apparently he’s healthy now. Our safety play will be suspect at best. If your qb has enough time or focuses primarily on receiver # 3, you guys will do damage in the passing game. If he tests our CB 1 on 1s, he will throw a pick or two.
I hate UM passionately. I do think you guys made a great coaching hire, and still have a little way to go before you become elite. We are heading that way, but still need a few more years and the proper people pieces into key positions. Good luck. Flame away. Final score 27-13 ish