Michigan Wolverines vs. Utah Utes Complete Game Preview
Michigan is 2-1 after defeating Miami (Ohio) last week 34-10. Fans were dismayed by three second-quarter miscues that left the teams tied 10-10 before the Wolverines put the game away in the second half.
This week, Michigan faces Pac-12 opponent Utah—a team that is averaging 57.5 points per game. The Utes (2-0) are coming off a 5-7 campaign but lost three of those games by seven points or fewer. The highlight of last season was a 27-21 upset of No. 5 Stanford.
If Michigan has another second-quarter meltdown, Utah’s prolific offense will make them pay. The Utes won't be intimidated by playing at Michigan Stadium, having won 25-23 during their last visit in 2008.
Last week, Michigan got the ground game rolling (276 yards), with running back Derrick Green (22 carries for 137 yards with two touchdowns) leading the way as the offensive line finally began to open holes. Hoke would like to slow down Utah’s high-tempo offense by riding the ground game to victory, while Utah coach Kyle Whittingham wants to strike quickly and often, mixing the run and the pass.
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
Place: Michigan Stadium (109,901), Ann Arbor, Mich.
Series vs. Utah: Michigan and Utah are tied (1-1)
Television: ABC
Radio: Michigan Sports Network, Sirius (113), XM (195)
Spread: Michigan by 6.5 via Odds Shark
Live Stats: MGoBlue.com GameTracker
Last Meeting vs. Utah: 2008, Utah 25, Michigan 23
The Rich Rodriguez era began with a 25-23 loss to Utah at Michigan Stadium. Michigan trailed 25-10 at the beginning of the fourth quarter but scored 13 points to make final score close. The loss marked the second straight year that Michigan lost its home opener and set the tone for the team’s 3-9 finish.
*Information according to University of Michigan Wolverine Football game notes.
Video Preview
1 of 7Michigan's defense will face a crucial test versus Utah.
Michigan Keys to Victory
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Four Complete Quarters
Last week, Michigan allowed Miami (Ohio) a glimmer of hope after a series of second-quarter mistakes resulted in a 10-10 tie. The Wolverines could afford the mistakes versus a team that hadn’t won since 2012, but this week is a different story. Utah has the talent and experience to make Michigan pay for mistakes. The Wolverines will need to play four solid quarters to beat Utah.
Slow It Down
Utah (averaging 57.5 points per game) wants this to be a track meet, while Michigan wants to dictate the pace of game by pounding the ball on the ground. Last week, Derrick Green took control of the top spot at running back with a solid performance versus Miami. Offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier will keep feeding Green the ball and letting him run behind Michigan’s steadily improving offensive line. This game will be the test if Michigan’s offense is good enough to impose its will on an opponent.
Hands Up
The Michigan defensive line only has four sacks due partly to opponents getting the ball out quickly to receivers. Utah will use a similar tactic. The Wolverine defensive line needs to block the passing lanes by raising their arms and interfering with the quarterback’s vision downfield.
Utah Keys to Victory
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Faster, Quicker
Utah needs to amp up the tempo and never slow down. They hope to prevent the Michigan defense from substituting between plays. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison says that his defense is ready but concedes that he’ll have fewer opportunities to mix in fresher players. With no word on defensive back Raymon Taylor or linebacker Desmond Morgan’s injury status, the Wolverines may be further shorthanded.
Make Gardner Make Plays
Hoke and Nussmeier were quick to explain that Devin Gardner’s sole interception versus Miami (Ohio) was the result of the ball being tipped at the line of scrimmage. Unfortunately, Gardner still has the reputation of turning the ball over (by interception or fumble) when he’s under pressure. If Utah can stop the Michigan running game, it can force Gardner to take control of the offense. He's a high-risk, high-reward player, but the risk has been exceeding the reward in tight games.
Go Deep
Defensive back Raymon Taylor's status is uncertain, and nickelback Jabrill Peppers is talented but young. With the Utah passing attack averaging 16.7 yards per reception, look for the Utes to test the Michigan secondary early and often.
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Michigan Players to Watch
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Running Back Derrick Green
It’s been a while since Michigan has had a bruising, dominant running back. Green has established himself as the top back in Nussmeier’s offense and now he gets the chance to control the flow of the entire game. The much-maligned Michigan offensive line is starting to open holes and Green has been making the most of the opportunities. Now, he needs to prove he can do it on a consistent basis.
Defensive Back Jabrill Peppers
Utah is going to test the Michigan secondary and Peppers will be the primary target. He'll need to bounce back quickly from mistakes, Utah’s tempo will keep the pressure up all game long. Peppers will get a chance to show that he’s fully healed from the injury that prevented him from playing versus Notre Dame and that he's ready play cornerback on every play.
Quarterback Devin Gardner
Fifth-year senior Gardner is a polarizing figure for Michigan. Admired for his leadership and toughness, he still turns the ball over too often to be considered an elite quarterback. A solid performance versus Utah could show that he’s improving as a player and is still the best hope for Michigan to compete for the Big Ten title.
Utah Players to Watch
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Quarterback Travis Wilson
Wilson (24-of-38 for 446 yards, six touchdowns) is the key to Utah’s offense. So far he’s been flawless (zero interceptions) while distributing the ball to 11 different receivers. Wilson and his receivers may be a bigger test for Michigan than Notre Dame.
Defensive End Nate Orchard
Coach Kyle Whittingham called Orchard “…probably the premier playmaker in the front seven,” for Utah. He’ll be the top threat when Devin Gardner drops back to pass and a major obstacle to the Wolverines running game. The offensive line will need to contain him on every play.
Running Backs Devontae Booker and Bubba Poole
Booker (20 carries for 146 yards, two touchdowns, 7.2 yards per carry) and Poole (19 carries for 101 yards, one touchdown, 5.1 yards per carry) are the top running backs for Utah. They’ll each get an opportunity to carry the ball until one shows separation during the game.
What They’re Saying
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Michigan
"They’re [Utah] a football team that’s scored a lot of points and hasn’t given up many points.
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Michigan head coach Brady Hoke via press conference.
"We played him twice at San Diego State and got embarrassed at their place one year, played well the next year, but [they were] always physical and always aggressive.
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Michigan head coach Brady Hoke via press conference.
"We won't talk about any of those guys who didn't play…Because I don't feel like it.
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Michigan head coach Brady Hoke refusing to discuss injuries via press conference.
Utah
"We know they are a typical Michigan team. Good athletes all over the place. Physical up front, on the line of scrimmage, particularly the offensive line, very physical. Very good defensive line. #57 [Frank Clark] is a very good player - active, tough. They are a talented team, and we have to be ready to play our A game, without a doubt.
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Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham via Utah Utes Football Website.
"Their quarterback [Gardner] is a big strong kid. He runs the ball well. He's got quickness and athleticism. He's throwing the ball pretty good too. He's a dual threat for sure. Although he hasn't run a bunch yet this year, he's very capable and we need to make sure we have our bases covered. He's a really good athlete.
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Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham via Utah Utes Football Website.
"Good memories. We started fast. I think we were up at halftime 22-10. It ended up being a close game at the end. We had to hang on for the victory. Great venue. We expect over 100,000, whatever they are going to pack in there. Our guys are excited. They are excited to go there and play one of the most storied programs in college football.
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Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham remembering the 2008 game versus Michigan via Utah Utes Football Website.
Prediction
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Michigan 41, Utah 38
Derrick Green leads Michigan to victory, helped by the return of Devin Funchess at wide receiver. The Michigan defense bends—but does enough to hold on for the win.
Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations obtained firsthand.
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