Michigan Wolverines: Five Keys to Victory over Western Michigan

1) Establish the run: So many fans give credit to Braylon Edwards for carrying along Chad Henne as he developed as a freshman, but I think you have to give equal or greater credit to Mike Hart and the run game. When Hart emerged the offense really seemed to become balanced, and a balanced offense is a dangerous one!

In order to win today UM needs to get it going up front, and be consistent running downhill. An improved offensive line, a healthy Carlos Brown, deep backfield and even a banged up Brandon Minor give us all the tools to execute an effective run game. Having Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson at quarterback doesn't hurt.

2) Don't breakdown defensively: Michigan can bend. They probably will bend...and bend and bend. Tim Hiller is going to move the football, and the Broncos are going to score some points.

What Michigan cannot do is have multiple major breakdowns in coverage and missed tackles (especially in the second half). Michigan has to get off blocks, and tackle well in space, because sloppy football won't get it in this game.

There may be a time when they will be good enough to make two or three big mistakes a game on defense, but I'm not convinced that time is now. Pay close attention to the secondary today (particularly the safeties), if they are ready to defend both the pass and the run Michigan will be fine.

3) Win the special teams battle: Michigan's special teams could make or break this game. Michigan has some excellent options on kickoff returns, and guys who are shifty in space. The problem last year was securing the ball consistently. If they have fumbles in the return game it could spell disaster, but if they get a couple returns out to midfield, it could make a two score difference.

Don't forget Zoltan Mesko, and his awesome 85 foot high kicking ability! Mesko is probably the best punter in the nation and he will help them with the field position game. Again this unit is crucial to the game.

If the special teams unit that lost to Notre Dame last year shows up the Wolves are in trouble. If we get it done like we did at Purdue, it places us in a great position to win.

4) Protect the football on offense: One of the biggest issues with freshman quarterbacks is the potential for devastating and game-changing turnovers. Last year one of the biggest problems was exchanges from the center to the quarterback to the running back on zone-read option plays. Forcier may get away with a pick, and maybe even two turnovers.

However, we cannot have guys out of rhythm putting the ball on the turf. Bottom line is UM has to properly execute in all three phases and win the turnover battle, but they especially must get it done in the running game. Misreads and mistakes will happen, however if there are multiple bobbles on option plays there will be no excuses. We can't get sloppy!

5) Pressure Western's backfield: This Hiller guy can kill you if you let him sit back and throw. His numbers are gawdy, and his completion percentage is impressive as well. With the best pass rusher in the Big Ten in Brandon Graham, getting after Hiller is a necessity. If you can get in his head and force him to throw some bad balls, then you have a chance to take away Western's best weapon.

Expect a couple of forced turnovers from Michigan's defense as well as pressure on the running game. Michigan could easily hold the Broncos under 100 yards rushing as a team. If they get pressure on, and penetration into the backfield it could also be a long day for Tim Hiller. Go Blue!