It was third game in a row Michigan offense was held below .8 points per possession last season. Hadn’t been held below that mark since March 7th, 2010 @ MSU.
Offense seems to be flowing a lot better this year, but would be nice to see them really click. Think it could be a huge boost of confidence going forward.
+8 seems pretty generous.
Dylan, I was just looking at the AP and Coaches polls and noticed that SMU was unranked in the Coaches Poll (and did not appear to receive any votes in that poll). Are they disqualified from that poll due to the sanctions or do the other coaches just really dislike Larry Brown?
More generally, is there any reason to believe M wouldn’t receive due credit for a marquee road win in Dallas come Selection Sunday as a result of SMU being ineligible for the tourney/in the college basketball doghouse? Just wondering – obviously I’m pumped for the game tonight.
I believe that is the case RE: Coaches Poll. I’m pretty sure teams banned from post season don’t get voted in the coaches poll. I don’t think it would really make a difference at year end though, would still be a good win.
@hailtoyourvictor I’m seeing 8.5 as the opening line and the number closer to 6.5 now.
I don’t think so. The computers count them and they are counted in resumes. Hopefully their team doesn’t fizzle down the stretch with nothing to play for. Last year, I thought Syracuse would be a solid OOC win but they ended up having a pretty bad season with nothing to play for.
Because I don’t say enough nice things about MAAR, apparently, I think he can be a huge factor tonight. Moore is giving up 7 inches to MAAR at the point. Hopefully that advantage leads to MAAR finishing over Moore on a couple drives tonight and a turnover or two in passing lanes.
Yeah, a win would be great for Michigan’s RPI especially if SMU can make noise in their conference – I think they play UConn and Cincinnati twice so they definitely have some opportunities to beat good teams. You’re right that motivation will be a question mark for SMU going forward. I was more wondering about whether SMU’s ineligibility would affect the “eye test” from the committee’s standpoint.
[edited to delete a pointless hypothetical]
I recently re-read the five key plays and recap from last year’s SMU game. I don’t remember this to be the case, but Donnal kind of blew up in that game. If that’s the case again this year, we are in trouble.
Michigan won’t run anything to exploit that. Would love a set or two that would isolate MAAR either on the block or mid range where he can go to work.