Michigan vs Western Michigan Preview

Start Time: 3:30 EST

Location: Big House

TV: ABC

Weather: 78 and Sunny

Line: Michigan - 12.5

It's finally here. Year two in the Rich Rodriguez era. The year Michigan is supposed to be better but not yet great. A year where they go with 2 Freshman QB's that are a better fit for his offense.

2009 is just supposed to just be better. If that's true then they better win the first one. The game on Saturday is one of the most important games of the year for the Wolverines. They need to start fast and they need to beat teams less talented then themselves. Which didn't happen too often last year.

Western is no slouch. They beat "Juice" and Illinois last year (who beat Michigan) and the year before, they broke the hearts of Hawkeye fans during the last game of the year which kept Iowa out of a bowl game. They went to a bowl game in 2008 and Michigan didn't. They also have a senior QB that can throw it around the yard and 4 returning starters on the offensive line blocking for him. Their defense is not very good and was exposed in the bowl game against Rice and late year blowout by Ball State. They also only have a few returning starters on that side of the ball.

We all know Michigan pretty well if you read this blog regularly. Michigan should be better on both sides of the ball. They are deep at RB, WR and have three options at QB. The offensive line played much better at the end of the year and they added depth with a number of redshirt freshman.

The defense is solid if nobody gets hurt. CB and Safety have a number of depth issues with walk on's on the two deep. Look for a number of players to contribute on the defensive side of the ball and it will be interesting to see if Greg Robinson can put pressure on Tim Hiller (WMU QB).

The key to this game will be if Michigan can get consistent pressure on Hiller and Tate and the boys can move the ball. I think there will be a lot of points scored in this one and Michigan's defense is going to need to stop Hiller if Michigan is going to walk away with a win.

What I'm worried about:

• Place Kicking: Olesnavage will handle field goals and extra points. He is going to need to make all of them. He doesn't have any experience and I'm worried about his accuracy.


• Punt and Kick Off return: Whoever is back there, hold on to the damn ball! We don't need to be giving WMU any free opportunities to score.


• QB Mistakes: The young QB's will make mistakes, let's hope they are not the pick 6 type of mistakes.


• Defense can't be on the field all day. If that is happening, Michigan isn't moving the ball and Hiller is wearing out the Michigan D.

What I'm excited about:

• Michigan scoring points and the future with Tate and Denard. Tate via the Air and Denard on the ground. Maybe this duo should be nicknamed "Fed Ex or UPS".


• The Michigan defense, I expect a lot of pressure and unique looks that confuse the QB. Michigan should never get out coached on that side of the ball with Robinson calling the shots.


• Putting the BS behind them and playing football. The Free Press and the 2008 season are now in the rear view mirror it's time to lace them up (expect Denard :-)) and play some football.


• 110,000 strong supporting the best college football program in America!

The Key match up is Michigan's cornerbacks vs Tim Hiller. Michigan is very thin at CB right now and have a bunch of new players playing safety. If the LB's and D line don't get to Hiller the Michigan backfield is going to be running around the field all day.

Michigan will need to move the ball on the ground in big chucks to keep the pressure of Tate in 3rd and long situations. Brandon Minor (dinged up but expected to play) and Carlos "Santana" Brown need 100 yard efforts each.

Sing "Hail to the Victors" if:

• Michigan goes over 200 yards on the ground


• Michigan wins the time of possession battle


• If it doesn't become a shootout


• Michigan can record 3+ sacks and a number of hurries

Michigan 28 WMU 17

Go Blue!!