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

The fourth-ranked Michigan Wolverines will face their final nonconference opponent of the 2016 season on Saturday when the Colorado Buffaloes enter the Big House.

In 1994, Colorado pulled off a stunning victory on a last-second Hail Mary, later dubbed the "Miracle at Michigan." But if the Buffaloes win in any fashion on Saturday, it might be given a similar label.

Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines pulverized Hawaii 63-3 and mashed UCF 51-14. Colorado has also posted a pair of blowout victories, but the oddsmakers don't like the Buffs' chances.

Michigan is listed as a 20.5-point favorite, according to Odds Shark. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on ABC.

Colorado's Keys to Victory

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No Mistakes

Of Michigan's three nonconference opponents, Colorado has the best chance to spring an upset. That doesn't make it likely.

Sefo Liufau seems to have progressed past his 15-interception season in 2014, but the Wolverines will test the senior's decision-making ability with lots of pressure and tight coverage. Hurried throws often lead to mistakes, and the Buffs can't survive that.

Also, while Colorado has only committed nine penalties in two games, the team must avoid setting up self-inflicted 3rd-and-long situations or allowing automatic first downs.

Defensive Touchdowns

Mike MacIntyre's club needs to hang around until halftime to cause any concern, so a takeaway or two is a necessity.

Colorado has forced five turnovers, intercepting three passes and recovering a pair of fumbles. If the Buffs can turn one takeaway into a touchdown—or even close to one—early, that would provide a meaningful confidence boost on the road.

Even if Liufau puts together a clean game, the defense must create a momentum-swinging play.

Michigan's Keys to Victory

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Take What They Give You

Hawaii simply couldn't stop Michigan's offense. Although Central Florida successfully made the Wolverines one-dimensional, a heavy dose of play action consistently overpowered a loaded box.

The Buffs allowed 88 yards to Colorado State's Dalyn Dawkins on just 14 carries but completely stopped Idaho State on the ground. Both opponents managed fewer than 70 passing yards on Colorado.

But Saturday will provide the best look at the true talent of the defense. The Buffs really haven't faced any tough moments, and Michigan is certain to cause a few problems.

Colorado will counter depending on the exposed weakness, but the Wolverines boast the balance to overcome any adjustment.

Stay Disciplined

After hosting UCF last weekend, Michigan should be prepared for Colorado's tempo. However, the Knights took advantage of a couple of defensive breakdowns—especially when a play broke down.

Liufau is a legitimate running threat, so the Wolverines must account for his scrambling ability. Justin Holman (30 yards, 35 yards) and Nick Patti (26) both ripped off large gains because Mike McCray, Jabrill Peppers or Chase Winovich attacked too deep in the pocket.

Additionally, on Adrian Killins' 87-yard touchdown, Dymonte Thomas took a horrid angle and allowed the speedster to bounce outside.

Each of Michigan's glaring mistakes came between the ears. That's correctable, but it needs to show.

Colorado Players to Watch

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Sefo Liufau, Quarterback

Through two games, Michigan has held opposing gunslingers to a combined 18-of-45 mark through the air for just 207 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

Meanwhile, Liufau is 38-of-51 with 522 yards, three scores and zero picks. Can he continue that efficient play against top competition?

Colorado's scheme should help the receivers create immediate separation, but Liufau must be extremely accurate and decisive. Otherwise, he'll be facing pressure and/or allowing the Wolverines to jump the quick-hitting routes.

Chidobe Awuzie, Cornerback

Though the senior isn't a recognizable player for many college football fans, Chidobe Awuzie assuredly has Michigan's attention.

Awuzie—who could be an early-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft—contributes all over the field. Last season, he amassed a team-high 85 tackles with 12 for loss and four sacks, adding seven pass breakups, two interceptions and a pair of forced fumbles.

Wilton Speight doesn't need to shy away from testing Awuzie, but the quarterback must always be aware of the cornerback's alignment.

Michigan Players to Watch

Jake Butt, Tight End

Last year, Jake Butt caught three touchdowns en route to second-team All-America honors. He's already matched that figure in 2016.

The senior reeled in seven passes for 86 yards and two scores against UCF and would've topped the 100-yard mark had he not dropped a wide-open reception. However, Butt is ordinarily a reliable target.

It wouldn't be surprising if Butt led the Wolverines with the most third-down and red-zone targets on Saturday.

Mike McCray, Outside Linebacker

During the offseason, coaches showered praise on Mike McCray. The linebacker had battled injuries throughout his college career and finally was healthy enough to contribute.

So far, pretty good.

McCray was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his nine-tackle, two-sack performance in the season opener. The junior broke up a couple of passes and forced another fumble against UCF, too.

As previously mentioned, though, McCray saw one mistake turn into a 30-yard scramble. He's still adjusting to a full-time role, but McCray could be the breakout player of Michigan's defense.

What They're Saying

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Colorado

According to Nick Kosmider of the Denver Post, Colorado wide receiver Jay MacIntyre said the team is ready and eager for the challenge.

"We're really looking forward to it. We know we're really improved," he said. "We have confidence in our abilities, and to be on such a big stage at Michigan, we're really excited to show the world what we can do."

Michigan

Coaches demand perfection. No team will ever reach it, but Nick Baumgardner of MLive noted that Harbaugh wants the Wolverines to keep improving after another blowout.

"I'm very excited as a coach that when you win a game 51-14, you still have things to go in and coach and you feel like you can improve your play on," he said. "There's probably no better feeling as a coach than to start the week that way."

Prediction

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Awuzie is terrific, but he can't stop both Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson at the same time. Somebody needs to cover Butt, too.

Colorado notches a field goal on the opening drive, but Michigan quickly takes control of the game. Speight throws a pair of touchdowns during the first half, and the Wolverines add a running score to earn a 21-3 advantage at halftime.

Michigan puts another touchdown on the board immediately after the break for a 28-3 lead. Although the Buffs manage 10 late points, that only matches Harbaugh's team down the stretch.

The Wolverines finish their nonconference slate at 3-0, while the Buffs enter Pac-12 play with a hopeful 2-1 record.

Prediction: Michigan 38, Colorado 13

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.