Week 7 Notes and Predictions

On Thursday night I had the privilege of viewing "Black and Blue", the documentary about Gerald Ford, Willis Ward, and the 1934 Michigan-Georgia Tech football game. After watching the program, I came away with an altered view on Michigan's football history. I won't go into the details here because I believe this is one that is a must see for all Michigan fans alike but I do enjoy hearing about the history of Michigan football, and this is a chapter that has been forgotten over time and shrouded in gray. There will be another showing of it on November 18th at the Brighton District Library, and DVD copies will also be on sale for 20 dollars. Due to the efforts by a 2nd grader in Brighton, October 20th will be Willis Ward Day...so look for information regarding that come next week when Michigan will be hosting Michigan State. On a final note, considering this Saturday will be homecoming, and also the game honoring the late President Gerald Ford in the Legends Patch ceremony, that makes the game a watershed moment. Not only does the timing of the documentary work well with it, but there's rumors of Willis Ward being mentioned as well. I plan on attending the game, not only to see our beloved Wolverines kick Illini butt, but to soak in the history of Ford, Ward, and the story behind it all.

Illinois at Michigan--Michigan will be on all cylinders when they thoroughly beat Illinois. Hopefully the running game will be able to show it's not as anemic as some analysts have thought. I know there has been thought given to give Rawls more carries than Toussaint, but I don't think Fitz will be losing his starting job anytime soon. Winner: Michigan

Iowa at Michigan State--Iowa had a bye week last week, and Michigan State struggled to beat Indiana. Both run defenses are in the top 25 in the nation, so this very well could be a low scoring affair. Michigan State will be the hungrier team after "humiliating: wins against Indiana and Eastern Michigan. Winner: MSU

Ohio State at Indiana--Kevin Wilson's Indiana team did well last week against Michigan State. Hosting undefeated OSU is another matter and I think a lot of the energy from the Hoosiers was drained. Look for a blowout to happen here. Winner: OSU

Wisconsin at Purdue--Consider this a game of "one-of-them-will-win-division-but-no-one-wants-it"....Purdue was thought to be stronger before being dominated by Michigan, and Wisconsin still has yet to hit their pinnacle on either side of the ball; that is if they're able to do so at all. Winner: Wisconsin

Northwestern at Minnesota--Both teams still have one loss. Both teams have been considered frauds for that and one of them will be further exposed. Maybe Kain Colter will have a better game this week, and maybe he'll barely show up. Winner: Northwestern

Other Michigan points:

• I think it was great of Brady Hoke to purchase "Chuckstrong" shirts for the staff in support of Indianapolis Colts HC Chuck Pagano. Pagano was recently diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Hoke paid for each shirt at $20 apiece out of his own pocket. Strong character shows there
• Last week Denard earned his 9th Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week award. Not only did that tie the record with Ron Dayne, but with another stellar performance against Illinois or any other team this season he could break it as well.
• Tom Coyle, a co-captain for Michigan's football team in 1972, passed away yesterday at the age of 62. Coyle was a co-captain with Randy Logan in 1972 and a three-time letter winner for the Wolverines. Michigan went 30-3 in those three seasons. Coyle started 32 games at right guard in that span.