A Legitimately Bold, Fearless, and Maybe a Little Too Optimistic Prediction for the Utah Game

Michigan 21 Utah 16

There are a couple major reasons why Michigan will win this game tonight. While Utah has the clear and present capabilities to beat the Wolverines in the kicking game, Michigan has at least one clear advantage over the Utes in its defense. How good are they? Well, This D returns more than a dozen players with at least one start and several others with loads of quality playing time, and they ranked 7th nationally in yards allowed per game. By comparison, the Utes were not even ranked in the top 50 in that same category. The Wolverines kept the Utes' offense in check most of the game last year, only allowing 81 rushing yards and putting a TD on the board with a returned INT by Willie Henry. While Utah running back Davontae Booker will provide a solid challenge, it will take a monster game from him to really expose this unit. I for one am willing to bet that will not happen tonight. Just as much, QB Travis Wilson will have to be better than his 172 yards passing that he produced last year if they are really hoping to get Michigan's back against the wall.

The single-biggest issue for the team in last year's game was the sheer ineptitude of the quarterback. Neither guy (Devin Gardner/Shane Morris) could get a rhythm going and they left the defense hanging on a short field all day long. There was actually zero threat in the passing game which led to the Utes teeing up on the backs and holding them to 118 yards rushing. The two stats that really jump out at me from that game (besides the three points forced) are Devin Gardner's 27.3 QBR and the three INT's. I am confident that that will NOT happen under Harbaugh. I don't care who is under center, they will not puke up a game like that under his watch. Combine that with an O-line finally coming of age under Drevno and it would not surprise me to see three TD's on the board when it's all said and done. If we would have had just two TD's from the offense last year I would bet we win that game (just saying...).

The single most important factor here is the coaches themselves. This staff is much better than the one under Hoke. You will see a more disciplined Michigan team tonight, mark my words. You will also see better clock management and a more engaged sideline. I am not saying it will be mistake-free football. I'm just saying you won't see five turnovers in the stat sheet, unless it's on the defensive side of the ball.

Go Blue!