The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
The Wolverine: Is this Michigan's breakthrough season to reach the Big Ten championship game? Chengelis: "I'm really beginning to think Michigan and Ohio State will play — and this is the last time it can happen — twice in a row. Both teams will win their divisions, and it will be a terrific Big Ten championship game. I really do have that feeling, the way the schedules set up for both teams. "Michigan is definitely going to have some tough games, in East Lansing and playing at Northwestern. Those are the games I think stand out. There are some early indications this team could be very good." Snyder: "I think it's going to be tough, still. The schedule isn't in their favor. They have a lot of home games, and they have key people at home, but they have a really tough run. They've got to win at Northwestern, they have to win at Michigan State, they have to beat Nebraska at home, and they have to beat Ohio State, who is not in their division. But to be able to handle all those and come through unscathed, you're going to have to be ahead of everyone. "Those tiebreakers are going to be really important, especially with Michigan State, Northwestern and Nebraska, if all of those teams are in the mix." Meinke: "I picked Nebraska to come out of the Legends, so I don't think they'll do it. They have a chance to, but Nebraska has a better shot at it, with a little bit easier schedule and a little bit more experience, especially at the quarterback position. "We all get so excited about Devin Gardner, and I am as well, to see what he can do. He has an immense skill set. He's still only started five games in his career, and there will still be bumps in the road for him. "I do see them being better than 8‑5, and part of that's because of an easier schedule. Part of it is just because they'll have more talent. I don't think they'll quite make it to the Big Ten championship." The Wolverine: Who wins the Legends and Leaders Divisions of the Big Ten, and why? Meinke: "I like Nebraska's experience, having Taylor Martinez for what seems like the seventh year starting at quarterback. I've seen over time teams with veteran quarterback play typically are more consistent over the long haul. You can have talented players at that position, such as Michigan has with Devin Gardner, but they'll be able to weather the ups and downs a little better having a guy who has been there before. "I like their schedule as well. They'll probably be undefeated going into that Michigan game. They'll be 4-0 going in, in Big Ten play. Their finish is pretty easy as well. I'd expect them to get out with just one loss somewhere along the way. "In the Leaders, Ohio State is the overwhelming favorite. Wisconsin is okay. Indiana might surprise some people. They have 19 starters back, and they have a chance to be better, to compete. But they don't have a chance to overtake Ohio State — that