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

Jim Harbaugh and his fifth-ranked Michigan Wolverines will host the Central Florida Knights on Saturday, Sept. 10 in a nonconference clash at the Big House.

In the season opener, Hawaii stood no chance against Michigan's swarming defense. The Wolverines put together a dominant performance in the 63-3 victory, while Chris Evans tallied 112 rushing yards and two touchdowns in his college debut.

Meanwhile, the Scott Frost era started with a resounding win. UCF knocked off South Carolina State, 38-0, thanks to a balanced offensive attack led by Justin Holman.

According to Odds Shark, Michigan is a 36-point favorite. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET on ABC.

UCF Keys to Victory

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Multiple Takeaways, No Turnovers

It's safe to suggest that a 30-plus-point underdog probably won't win. But the game still needs to be played, and a few early takeaways would give UCF a fighting chance.

However, in the rare possibility the Knights jump on Michigan's offense and force a couple of turnovers, they must capitalize on each opportunity—not only protecting the ball, but scoring touchdowns.

Central Florida cannot afford to play from behind on the scoreboard. Getting a quick lead is critical on Saturday.

Multiple Non-Offensive Scores

"I want to do things that's gonna silence their crowd," cornerback Shaquill Griffin said, per Shannon Green of the Orlando Sentinel.

For UCF to spring a massive upset, Griffin—who snagged an interception in Week 1—and his fellow defenders will need to do exactly that. Getting a boost from special teams is necessary, too.

Tristan Payton will likely return kicks, while Chris Johnson should handle the punt duties. In the opener, Payton ripped off a 47-yard return, while Johnson averaged 11.5 yards on four attempts.

Michigan Keys to Victory

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Score Quick, Score Often

Wilton Speight threw an interception on his first pass against Hawaii, so the Wolverines took a bit longer than expected to score. Within 20 minutes of action, though, they held a 28-0 advantage.

The Warriors weren't capable of overcoming that deficit. UCF might fall behind in a similar fashion.

Since Harbaugh's arrival, Michigan has regularly dispatched less talented teams quickly. The Knights should be next.

Pressure, Pressure, Pressure

One key to putting UCF in a hole is disrupting Holman. The Knights will attempt to distribute the ball rapidly to avoid facing pressure, but the Wolverines are experienced in press-man coverage.

Limiting the free releases for receivers will afford Michigan's talented defensive front another half-second to pressure Holman, who is still learning the offensive system. How quickly he can progress through new reads while worrying about blitzes will be tested.

Because one thing is certain: Defensive coordinator Don Brown is coming after Holman all game long.

UCF Players to Watch

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Justin Holman, Quarterback

After earning the starting job in 2014, Holman put together a respectable campaign. But last year, injuries hampered the quarterback, while UCF generally struggled everywhere. In Frost's system, Holman can return to his mildly efficient 2014 form as a passer.

Plus, Holman is a threat on zone-read calls, so Brown and Michigan's defensive staff will be preaching gap discipline through the week. That restraint was evident in the opener, as evidenced by 10 tackles for loss with four sacks.

The Wolverines have all the right pieces to stop Holman, but he's capable of making them pay for any small mistake.

Shaquem Griffin, Linebacker

The twin brother of starting corner Shaquill, Shaquem Griffin leads UCF's linebacking corps. The junior has overcome the loss of his left hand and gained a starting role on the defense.

He notched a team-high six tackles against South Carolina State, sacked the quarterback once, forced a fumble and broke up a pass.

Griffin will be tasked with supplying pressure off the edge and helping contain Michigan's rushing attack.

Michigan Players to Watch

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Jehu Chesson, Wide Receiver

The Wolverines will always try to establish the running game, but Jehu Chesson provides a complementary threat all over the field.

On the offense's second drive against Hawaii, he averaged 12 yards on four touches. Following that possession, Michigan started pounding the ball and soon turned to the backups.

Chesson's role should expand against UCF, and the senior should break off his first big gains of the season.

Chris Wormley, Defensive Line

According to Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press, Harbaugh said both Taco Charlton and Bryan Mone are doubtful. Michigan has good depth up front, but Chris Wormley's versatility is even more helpful.

Depending on the official availability, Wormley could start at end or tackle. Regardless, there's a good chance the senior will contribute at both positions like he did last season.

Plus, whenever Wormley shifts inside, that may open a space for Rashan Gary, the No. 1 overall recruit in 2016. Michigan fans might get an extended look at the future star on Saturday.

What They're Saying

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UCF

Frost is preparing for his first major opponent as head coach. But in all honesty, he'd rather be facing a different team.

"If you'd ask me whether I'd like to play Michigan or some other team in Michigan that might not be ranked in the top 10 in the country, I might not give you an honest answer on that," Frost said with a grin, per Green. "But listen, this game is on the schedule. I don't want our kids to be afraid to play anybody. I think our guys are excited to go up there and look that challenge in the face and take swings at them."

Michigan

All-American cornerback Jourdan Lewis missed the season opener for a then-unknown reason. Harbaugh later revealed it was his choice to sit Lewis, who will be available for UCF.

"It was my decision not to play Jourdan today; he's been working through something the last couple weeks," Harbaugh said, according to Nick Baumgardner of MLive. "It's healed, it really is. He's done a marvelous job of getting himself ready to play, but it was my decision not to play him in this ballgame."

Prediction

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Michigan won't let the Knights hang around for long. After the Wolverines strike first, the defense will intercept a Holman pass, and the turnover will lead to Chesson's first touchdown of 2016.

Then the running game will settle in and start to control the clock while Wormley and Co. continue to frustrate the UCF offense. At halftime, the Wolverines will hold a 28-0 edge.

Harbaugh's team will waste little time extending its lead in the third quarter, though Holman will manage to end the shutout and lead a touchdown drive against Michigan's second-string unit.

Although the Knights may fight back to beat the spread with a late score, the Wolverines will roll to a second straight blowout and a 2-0 record. UCF will drop to 1-1.

Prediction: Michigan 45, UCF 7

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.