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Taking it back
to 1998, Michigan has actually dropped 6 of 7 road openers.
Here the summary:
|
Year |
Opponent |
Result |
|
1998 |
@ Notre Dame |
Loss - 36-20 |
|
1999
|
@ Syracuse |
Win - 18-13 |
|
2000 |
@ UCLA |
Loss - 23-20 |
|
2001 |
@ Washington |
Loss - 23-18 |
|
2002 |
@ Notre Dame |
Loss - 25-23 |
|
2003 |
@ Oregon |
Loss - 31-27 |
|
2004 |
@ Notre Dame |
Loss - 28-20 |
There's no positive spin. This
is a team that has and should have national title aspirations and
basically they've been derailed right off the bat in all of these
seasons. If there's a good side it's that Michigan has
rebounded in these years, winning Big Ten Titles in four of these
seasons. The other side of this take is that these
team's aren't Ball State.
They are major conference teams and each presents a difficult
challenge on the road. And in the last five losses, the margin
of loss is just over 4 points.
To the typical Michigan fan, this
record is not acceptable and it is not chalked up to poor luck or
bad refs. Most put the blame on the coaching, not letting an
athletic team loose early in the season or not opening up the
playbook (until it is too late).
This year Michigan has a unique
situation. Three straight home games to start the season, then
right into Madison for the road opener against Wisconsin. The
Badgers lost many starters last year, but may find some inspiration
as beloved coach Barry Alvarez will retire at the end of the season.
Despite their success in the Rose Bowl, Wisconsin hasn't had much
luck against big Blue. Wisconsin has only beaten Michigan
twice since 1981 in several meetings.
Wisconsin moved the game to night,
meaning the normally pickled Badger faithful will reek of sausage
and liquor well before kick-off. Watch out!
Related:
Michigan Football 2005 Preview
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