Michigan Football: 5 Bold Predictions for the Wolverines' Bowl Game

The Michigan football team is preparing to challenge Florida in the Citrus Bowl, but the Wolverines will need a handful of standout performances to earn a victory.

However, tabbing the usual suspects is too easy. Jake Rudock will carry the offense, and Jourdan Lewis will stand out on the other side of the ball. We already know that.

While the predictions need to be bold, they also must remain realistic. Plus, since Florida has an outstanding defense, not every prediction can be a favorable one for Michigan.

Jehu Chesson Scores on a Jet Sweep

Florida's run defense is tremendous, and the Gators should be expected to limit Michigan's running game. Dalvin Cook and Derrick Henry both posted 180-yard days, but most of that success was the result of fourth-quarter carries in decided outcomes and sheer volume.

When a team struggles to run the ball normally, coaches often turn to playmakers for a spark. Jehu Chesson fits that billing for the Wolverines.

The junior receiver scored 36- and 66-yard touchdowns against UNLV and Maryland, respectively, on a jet sweep—where he went in motion and took a handoff immediately after the snap.

Considering the anticipated struggles and Jabrill Peppers' potential absence, according to Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com, Michigan needs to get Chesson involved, and he'll respond in a big way.

Treon Harris Runs for 75 Yards

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Treon Harris is most effective when he's not throwing the ball, so Michigan must contain the speedy sophomore's ability to run.

However, the strength on the defensive line may expose the weakness at linebacker, giving Harris scrambling lanes to escape pressure and pick up yardage.

The Wolverines should constantly disrupt Harris, who is a reluctant pocket passer. He's also too quick for Desmond Morgan and Joe Bolden to chase down sideline to sideline.

Harris' season-best mark is 39 yards, but he'll rip off a couple of long runs to reach 75.

De'Veon Smith Loses First Fumble

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To De'Veon Smith's credit, he's avoided making a tough season worse. The junior running back has yet to fumble.

But Florida is one of the best at creating loose balls, as evidenced by its seven forced fumbles in the last four games and 16 overall this season.

Smith hasn't faced a healthy defensive line of this caliber. Penn State fans may argue, but Carl Nassib logged a mere handful of snaps against the Wolverines before exiting the game.

The Gators will recover the fumble, but their offense must overcome a Michigan defense that hasn't allowed a touchdown after a turnover all season.

Michigan Keeps Kelvin Taylor Under 50 Yards

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Harris will scramble his way to success on the ground, but Kelvin Taylor won't be as fortunate on designed runs.

The junior running back posted three consecutive 100-yard performances before meeting the death machine that is the Alabama defense and managing eight yards on seven attempts.

It's safe to expect Taylor to shoulder a larger load, since he recorded 20-plus carries during six of the eight previous games. However, the Wolverines can throw an extra man in the box to stop Taylor.

Florida's success depends on the running game, but Michigan will make Taylor the No. 1 priority and dare Harris to win the game as a passer.

Michigan Earns 14-0 Second-Quarter Edge

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Michigan tends to start slowly, and emotion should dominate the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl on both sides.

The second frame, though, will belong to the Wolverines like it has all season. Only Utah and Minnesota managed to outscore Michigan during the quarter, where Jim Harbaugh's team compiled a 140-64 advantage in points.

Conversely, the level of success in the second quarter has helped shape Florida's outcomes. In three losses, opponents outscored the Gators 48-14. During 10 wins, Florida held a 67-30 edge.

Rudock and Co. will tally a pair of touchdowns before the break to give the Wolverines a comfortable halftime lead.

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All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.