The Preview: roundup and predictions

Michigan tries to get up off the mat after a demoralizing loss to Penn State, while Detroit tries to unveil a (slightly) different program identity and begin 2014 with a bang. Both programs welcome Mercer to Southeast Michigan for indoor games.

Michigan v. Detroit

Feb. 19 2014: 7 p.m. EST
Ultimate Soccer Arenas Pontiac
Directions. Ticket Information.
Live stats @UMichLacrosse. @DetroitTitans. @GreatLaxState

Preview Posts Roundup

• Detroit offense v. Michigan defense
• Michigan offense v. Detroit defense
• Special teams
• Intangibles and miscellanea

Overview and Predictions

This is a big game for both squads, even more than it means something from a bragging rights perspective. Michigan has a chance for its first-ever multi-win season, while Detroit has a shot at its first winning record since March 24, 2012, when the Titans moved to 5-4 with a win over Marist.

I also think this is going to be an offense-dominated game. Both teams have new goalies behind defenses that either have a history of struggle or a history of being high school players and nothing else yet. On the other side, the offenses both have some serious firepower, and this could be a bit of an up-and-down game.

How much Detroit’s struggle against Mercer was an anomaly/first-game-jitters/rust-shaking experience will be the key in this one. Michigan made Mercer look like a high school team, and Detroit clearly didn’t. If the Titans were playing below their level (or Michigan above their own), that’s what will make this an even contest. Otherwise, it seems like Michigan takes it pretty handily.

• If Brad Lott plays for Michigan, the Wolverines win about 55% of faceoffs. If not, the Titans win about 60%. 
• Both goalies will have save percentages hovering around .500. The keeper who faces fewer shots will likely be the one to get the win. These aren’t goalies who are going to steal wins for their teams (yet, at least), though whoever makes a couple saves early could get enough confidence to make an impact.
• Both defensive midfields do a better job shutting down the opposing offensive midfield than the close D does of shutting down the attack. However, Michigan’s more versatile midfield helps make the difference there.

I think this one will be close, certainly closer than the common opponent would lead one to believe after just glancing at the results. Most of the intangibles seem to favor Detroit, the way I see it, and that’s another equalizer. Still, this looks like the year where Michigan’s talent will really start to show on the field thanks to (finally) having some experience. Wolverines win, 13-11.

Share your predictions, discussion, etc. in the comments.