Hawaii vs. Michigan: Game Preview, Prediction and Players to Watch

Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan football program open their 2016 season on Saturday, Sept. 3, at home against Hawaii.

The No. 7 Wolverines enter the campaign with College Football Playoff aspirations, and the initial slate is friendly. Saturday marks the first of five straight home games for Michigan.

Hawaii kicked off the Football Bowl Subdivision season against Cal in Australia, but Nick Rolovich's team fell 51-31. The Rainbow Warriors are making the first trip to Ann Arbor in program history.

According to Odds Shark, Michigan is a staggering 40.5-point favorite for the noon ET kickoff on ESPN.

Hawaii Keys to Victory

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Establish the Running Game

Go ahead and file this one in the "easier said than done" category.

During the opener, Diocemy Saint Juste tallied 118 yards and one touchdown. Steven Lakalaka and Paul Harris also reached the end zone once apiece, averaging at least five yards per carry.

But that was against a potentially dreadful Cal defense. Michigan's unit will be on the opposite end of the national rankings, especially against the run.

Without balance on offense, Hawaii has no hopes of an upset.

Keep Sticking Around

Break some big runs. Sustain a few drives. Force turnovers. And most importantly, don't allow a touchdown opportunity to slip by.

The Rainbow Warriors are massive underdogs. Barring a majestic performance in all three facets combined with a complete breakdown from Michigan, an upset isn't going to happen.

However, as long as Hawaii keeps the score close—within two possessions—the Wolverines cannot afford to relax. One mistake could make the game more interesting than anticipated.

Michigan Keys to Victory

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Jump on 'Em Early

In 2015, the Wolverines did an excellent job limiting opponents during the first half. On average, they held a 9.8-point halftime lead.

But Michigan scored a total of only 80 points in the first quarter before racking up 150 in the second. Dominating the scoreboard right away wasn't the team's specialty.

Few things are more dangerous in football than letting a visiting underdog stick around. Hawaii probably won't stay close for long, but the Wolverines would certainly rather avoid finding out what happens if the Warriors actually do.

Dominate the Trenches

Michigan has a veteran offensive line, elite defensive line and outstanding coaching for both groups. Put simply: Go show it.

Mason Cole highlights the blocking unit that returns three other starters in Erik Magnuson, Ben Braden and Kyle Kalis. Chris Wormley and Taco Charlton bookend the defensive group.

Controlling the clock and forcing short possessions both start up front, and the Wolverines have a clear advantage.

Hawaii Players to Watch

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Ikaika Woolsey, Quarterback

The senior gunslinger is not exactly a model of efficiency. Ikaika Woolsey has thrown 19 touchdowns compared to 23 interceptions in 628 career attempts.

On Saturday, he'll face All-American cornerback Jourdan Lewis and one of college football's toughest secondaries.

Woolsey completed 17 of 34 passes for 234 yards with one touchdown and one interception during the 20-point loss to Cal. In order to stun Michigan, he'll need to put together a career game.

Trayvon Henderson, Safety

Last season, a knee injury robbed Trayvon Henderson of a potential breakout year. He had recorded 63 tackles—second-most on the Hawaii defense—and two interceptions in 2014.

Henderson made a significant impact against Cal, notching 12 total stops. The Warriors will need a similar performance on Saturday.

The redshirt junior plays a critical role in limiting explosive runs and making sure Jehu Chesson doesn't beat Hawaii deep.

Michigan Players to Watch

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De'Veon Smith, Running Back

Michigan will probably rotate between four or five running backs, but De'Veon Smith should receive the most opportunities. He cannot afford to ease into the season because of those options, though.

Last year, Smith eclipsed the 100-yard mark twice in September. Although he had a lock on the starting job, that was a product of mediocre showings by teammates more than anything else.

After averaging just 42.3 yards during the final six outings of the regular season, Smith exploded for 109 yards in the bowl game. There's optimism here, but it's a cautious outlook.

Jabrill Peppers, All-Around Weapon

Few players received more offseason attention than Jabrill Peppers. Finally, we'll see the versatile redshirt sophomore on the field.

But how much will Peppers play linebacker compared to nickelback and safety? Will he still return punts? Will the Wolverines limit his touches? Or will they not even give him offensive snaps if the game is trending toward a blowout?

Nobody except Harbaugh knows the answers to those questions. We're looking forward to seeing Peppers' role.

What They're Saying

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Hawaii

The program's travel schedule is absolutely brutal. After traveling 5,071 miles to Sydney, Australia, the Warriors will cover 4,442 miles en route to Ann Arbor.

"When you're in the middle of the Pacific, every trip is a long way," athletic director David Marlin said, according to Marc Tracy of the New York Times. Woolsey added, "We get used to it, honestly."

Michigan

Either Wilton Speight or John O'Korn will start at quarterback for the Wolverines.

However, Angelique S. Chengelis of the Detroit News noted that O'Korn said the competition isn't over and he doesn't know when Harbaugh will reveal the starter: "I don't know if any of us saw it going this far. I think it will continue. Whenever that decision comes it's not really up to us. I don't know if any of us knows when it's coming."

Prediction

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Despite the uncertainty under center, the Wolverines will dispatch Hawaii thanks to a strong defensive effort.

Michigan forces a pair of first-half turnovers, and the offense builds a 24-point advantage at the break. Smith, Chesson and Drake Johnson reach the end zone for the maize and blue.

During the second half, Harbaugh's club controls the clock while tacking on another touchdown. The Warriors avoid a shutout on a late touchdown pass from Woosley.

Still, the Wolverines open their championship pursuit with a resounding victory, and Hawaii falls to 0-2.

Prediction: Michigan 41, Hawaii 7

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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.