[jwplayer 12StHCZs-XNcErKyb]
I rarely write these articles in first-person, but this is a different deal here, because it’s not a normal article.
Perhaps it’s better suited as a board post — the new WolverinesWire forum is ready for use! — but since that hasn’t officially-officially launched (though you can still sign up, post and respond to topics, everything you’ll be able to do once it is ‘launched’), figured this was a better medium.
I arrived last night at Schembechler Hall for the last regular season pre-game media availability super early, as always, and there was one prominent writer for a national outlet already there. We got to talking about The Game and how our optimism for Michigan’s chances have significantly risen over the course of the last few weeks, and especially after the Wolverines’ drubbing of Indiana, which has been a close game over the course of recent memory.
When we each gave our percentage of optimism heading into Saturday — and I was firm that I’m picking Ohio State to win, like I’ve said I will do all season — he suggested that I informally poll all of the other media members in attendance to get a barometer of how the local beat is feeling about Michigan’s chances. As I told him, last year, I picked the Wolverines to win — like everyone else — but I had a sinking feeling all week they would lose, which I cautioned on my podcast and openly told my friends. It wasn’t just tempering expectations.
This year, I have the opposite feeling.
So, here’s where everyone I asked stands heading into Saturday, with their names undisclosed, but their overall role noted, so that you can get an idea of their perspective.
- Local beat writer, website – 30%
- Local news reporter – 25%
- Local radio host – 50%
- Local beat writer, newspaper- 28%
- Local beat writer, newspaper – 34%
- Local beat writer, newspaper – 30%
- Local writer, website – 33%
- Local beat writer, website – 32%
- Local beat writer, newspaper – 25%
- Local radio host – 25%
- Local beat writer, newspaper – 33%
- Local writer, website – 40%
- Local beat writer, website – 26%
- Local writer, website – 41%
- Local columnist, newspaper – 36%
- Local radio host – 40%
- Me – 43%
Average confidence level: 34%
Yesterday, I said between 40-45%, hovering around 40%. To me, Michigan’s general feeling of optimism has me ticking up, and it’s been bolstered by some off the record conversations I’ve had. It should be noted, I also had positive off the record conversations with prominent people last year, but to me, it bordered on cockiness rather than being self-assured in the game plan or where the maize and blue actually was.
So, take that for what it’s worth. We’ll know more about how the Wolverines will fare on Saturday at noon EST.
The Game will be nationally broadcast on FOX with Joel Klatt and Gus Johnson on the call.
Your turn:
[opinary poll=”what-are-michigans-chances-to-beat-ohio-” customer=”collegewires”]
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