Ask a Michigan Fan

So we're going to play each other for the first time ever (at least according to http://football.stassen.com/records/opponent.html). I find it odd and kind of improbable that there has not been a match-up in the 131 years of Michigan football and the 108 years of VT football (this is year 132 of Michigan football). Michigan has a proud football tradition, with 11 national championships (only 1 in the last 50 years though, 1997), 42 Big Ten Championships, and the most wins of any college football program (894). You will find most of our fans respectful and well-informed. There are lots of trolls in any fan base (standard disclaimer).

The main place where Michigan fans gather is mgoblog.com. It is a free site and anyone can register there. We break down film, past games, upcoming opponents and just about everything else related to Michigan football. It is obsessive and posts are made 24/7. Most of your questions about the team can be answered somewhere on that site. If you don't want to visit mgoblog, I can answer some of your questions and I'll get some other UM folks over here to help me. I'm not an expert on Michigan football, but I have followed it for over 30 years, attended dozens of games and have an opinion on just about everything.

So superficially, our stars on defense are basically two guys, the senior DTs Mike Martin and Ryan VanBergen. Jordan Kovacs, a former walk-on is also noteworthy for his football IQ alone. He always ends up at the ball. We have freshman starters (Ryan and Countess) who will probably be four year starters given their performance this year. Michigan's 4-3 defense is predicated on bend don't break, pursuit and getting as many hats to the football as possible. In his first year, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison has turned this defense from 108th in scoring defense last year to 9th this year. Its a sea change that no one could have predicted.

On offense, you probably haven't seen a player like Denard Robinson. Fitzgerald Toussaint (RB) and Robinson both have rushed for over 1000 yards this season. David Molk is an outstanding center despite his height. Michigan runs a hybrid offense with a lot of zone reads and a lot of shotgun. The offense has really hit their stride has put up 85 points in its last two games (Ohio and Nebraska) and is averaging 38 points / game in conference play. Robinson has stopped throwing interceptions as he has finally adapted to offensive coordinator Al Borges's system. It could be pointed out, and its fair to say that Borges has also adapted to Denard.

Team 132 has suffered more than any other program in Michigan history. They've had three coaches (Carr/Rodriguez/Hoke), been through several defensive coordinators, an NCAA probation, and the worst 3 year (W/L) stretch in the history of Michigan football. They have been through the crucible and are ready.

This first match up between two great programs with great traditions should be exciting. I look forward to your questions.

Go Blue.