Michigan Football: Game By Game Analysis of 2008 Schedule—Part 1 of 4

Part One of Four of game by game analysis and projection of the 2008 Michigan Wolverines season.

August 30 – UTAH

The Utes are regarded as one of the top non-BCS teams in the nation and are favored to win their conference.  Incumbent starter Brian Johnson has had an injury-filled career, but he appears to be fully recovered from the ACL and shoulder surgeries that have plagued him the past two seasons.

When healthy, Johnson constitutes a true dual-threat at QB, and as this squad also returns its leading rusher Darrell Mack and four starting offensive linemen, the offense has the potential to be very productive and the strength of this team. 

However, the Utes did lose several starters on the defensive side, and are expected to play numerous young players at linebacker and on the defensive line.

With that, I believe Michigan’s offensive line will be able to dominate the line of scrimmage, racking up yardage on the ground and putting up points while taking pressure off whoever the QB will end up being.

Though the Ute offense will do its fair share of damage, the Michigan defense returns enough talent, experience, and size to eventually contain Johnson & co. and squeak out Rich Rodriguez’s first game as Michigan head coach.  W (28-20)

September 6 – MIAMI (OH)

The Redhawks enter the 2008 season as a fairly experienced squad, returning 17 total starters, with eight on offense and nine on defense.

However, with incumbent starter Daniel Raudabaugh unable to separate himself from redshirt freshman Clay Belton after spring ball, questions still circle the quarterback position.

With so much uncertainty surrounding the offense, the Redhawks will look to the defense to carry them this season, and as reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year Clayton Mullins returns to lead this senior-laden unit, the Redhawks may find some success in slowing the Michigan running game.

But with the Redhawks' lack of playmakers on the offensive side, and lingering questions surrounding their quarterback situation, the Wolverine defense holds for the second straight week as the Michigan offense puts enough points on the board to win in week two.  W (14-3)

September 13 – @ Notre Dame

This matchup between the two winningest programs in college football provides Michigan with its first road test of the young season, and will be a key determinant on how this Wolverine squad will finish—either helping build momentum and confidence, or acting as the start of a disappointing three months. 

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