Michigan-Western Michigan: Dissecting The Key Match-Ups In The Opener

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

As the cool air nipped at me when I walked out the door this morning—and if it wasn't already apparent—I knew one thing was certain.

College football season is upon us.

Just two weeks from today, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit will usher in a new season on ESPN's College Gameday with bold predictions, while collegiate athletes across the nation will anxiously suit up and run onto the field.

It will be no different in Ann Arbor where Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan will face off in the season's opener at the Big House. Just like every season, the first game is always months in the making as spring and summer practices all lead up to the very first moment the ball is kicked in the first game.

Both squads have reason to look forward to that moment.

The Rich Rodriguez regime is in its second season in Ann Arbor and looking for a big rebound after a dismal first season that had many questioning if letting Lloyd Carr go was a monumental mistake.

The excitement is no different in Kalamazoo where head coach Bill Cubit has instilled a winning attitude and the team looks to follow-up a bowl trip in 2008 with another one in 2009.

What will decide the outcome in the first meeting between the two teams since 2002—when Michigan won 35-12—is anyone's guess, but I have a few ideas of what could play a role. I also have a neat perspective of the first game as I covered Western Michigan football for the WMU's student newspaper last season and have pretty much eaten Michigan football for breakfast my entire life.

Let's take a look at five key match-ups:

1. Western Michigan's wide receivers versus Michigan's defensive backs

WMU lost its two top receivers from a year ago—Jamarko Simmons and Schneider Julian—but still has deep threat Juan Nunez. The junior will be asked to step up in a big way in 2009 and should be senior quarterback Tim Hiller's top target. Converted quarterback and sophomore Robert Arnheim also should see plenty of time in the slot as a possession receiver for the Broncos. Junior Jordan White is returning from injury and needs to also step up to provide some depth for the group.

Michigan's defensive backfield is talented with Donovan Warren, Troy Woolfork and Boubacar Cissoko leading the charge. The unit should be ready to help lead the defense in 2009. Speed won't be an issue on this side of the ball.

Prediction: It's no secret that WMU will be throwing the ball. If Michigan shuts down the passing game early and Hiller can't find a groove, it could be a long day for the Broncos. Someone has to step up and help Nunez right away.

Advantage: Michigan

2. Michigan's running backs versus Western Michigan's linebackers

With a deep and talented group, Michigan has the ability to pound the ball and repeatedly. If they can get on a roll, they could wear down WMU's defense quickly. Should they get up a couple of scores, the plethora of backs could put it on cruise control, controlling the clock and the game.

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