The Desperation Bowl

I was at work today thinking about something everyone could weigh in on. In this would-be epic match up, everyone must have an opinion. If you are maize and blue, thru and thru, you are praying for the first win of the year. If you worship TD Jesus, you hope Chuck starts winning otherwise your school over paid for a clone of Ty. If you are an MSU/Wis/OSU/PSU fan, you are wallowing in the sorrow of your enemy...however, you need to be careful because if you get beat by the team that got beat by Appalachia St., what does that make you?

So here we go, a break down of the match of ND vs. UM. ESPN calls it the Pillow Fight of the Year. I call it the "Desperation Bowl". We'll break down QB's, WR's, Offense, Secondary, Front 7, Defense and Coaching.

QB: If you were naming the game after the QB's it would be the baby bowl. Neither has experience any kind of success yet. Ryan Mallet has a stronger arm than Clausen, but has been a dismal 6 of 17 with no TDs and an INT. Clausen has been no better, 21 for 38. Clausen was a more highly rated coming out of HS, but has the pressure. At this point, there is very little pressure on Mallet. However, I know for a fact that Clausen got a 67 on a Social Psyc. paper in the semester he was enrolled early at ND. He's an idiot. Advantage: Mallet and UM.

WR: There is no comparison here. Manningham and Arrington, plus Hart out of the backfield give Mallet a zillion targets. Compare this to ND's top three received this year: Robby Parris, David Grimes, and Armando Allen. Yes, Larry, Curly, and Moe. These guys are the best the Irish can offer...3 years of TOTAL experience prior to the beginning of the season. TO make matters worse, combine their career totals for receptions in their college football careers: 50. Advantage: Super Mario and Um...by a landslide.

Offense: Even without Henne, UM has a line and Mike Hart. Clausen has no protection, no running back, and no receivers. This is a confidence builder for the Wolverine D. Advantage: UM.

Secondary: Michigan's already exposed secondary was hurt by the departure of Leon Hall. Not to mention Senior Brandon Englemon is not playing like a senior and Morgan Trent is just not that skilled. If they read this, my apologies. ND returns boxer/playboy Tom Zbikowski anchors a decent secondary. Advantage: ND.

Front 7: The loss of 7 defenders to the NFL hurts any D. David Harris and Co gave Brady a fit last year. Shawn Crable and Terrance Taylor should have their way with those skinning Irish boys. Advantage: UM.

Defense: Michigan.

Coaching: A good solid argument either way on this could sell me. I think Carr can't adjust to anything. He wrote one game plan for his interview at UM and then never changed it for ANY TEAM. Off tackle left. Off Tackle right. Get a lead, sit on it. One the flip side Charlie Weis is about the most overrated, over hyped coach I have EVER heard of. Not to mention his record is almost identical to Willingham's at this point. However, he can adjust. Advantage: ND.

I will be watching the game of course. Hopefully, it sends Michigan into a series of victories.