Eastern Michigan vs. Michigan: 5 Keys to Keep Wolverines Rolling Along

This weekend's game against Eastern Michigan should be an absolute blowout.  The fact that Eastern is currently 2-0 really doesn't mean a whole lot, seeing as who their opponents have been.

Even though it should certainly be a blowout, this game may give Michigan a good opportunity to try some new things.  Here's a look at five important keys surrounding this game.

5. Establish the Running Backs

Against Western, Michigan's running backs looked great running the ball.  But last weekend against Notre Dame, they were nowhere to be found.

Michael Shaw had negative rushing yards, while Stephen Hopkins had five carries for only 10 yards.  Fitz Toussaint, who had 80 yards against Western Michigan, did not play against Notre Dame.

Maybe the absence of Toussaint against Notre Dame was the reason Michigan couldn't establish a ground game, but regardless, there was no excuse for the other backs playing so poorly.

Against Eastern, Michigan should have no problem running the ball.  Denard Robinson will probably get quite a few carries, depending on how long he plays.

Expect to see guys like Shaw and Hopkins get plenty of carries and hopefully establish themselves.  We'll certainly see backup running backs as well, such as Mike Cox and maybe even Thomas Rawls.

4. Improve the Defense

Against Notre Dame, Michigan's defense just looked too similar to last year's, as they gave up quite a few big plays and allowed Notre Dame to run the ball on them.

This week, Michigan better show defensive improvements against Eastern.  It would obviously be nice to shut the Eagles out this weekend, but realistically Michigan should aim to hold them under 20 points.

Michigan should certainly be able to get pressure on Alex Gillett, so that will be a big plus.  There is also no reason Eastern should be able to run the ball on them.

Michigan's secondary needs to start playing better and it can start this weekend.  They've been doing a good job of intercepting passes so far this year, but that's about it.

They can't give up big pass plays and need to cover receivers better.

Look for Michigan's defense to play well against Eastern, as they prepare themselves for a tough San Diego State offense next week.

3. Allow Freshmen to See the Field

We have already seen a few true freshmen get significant playing time so far this year.  Seeing Matt Wile play hasn't been a surprise, but seeing guys like Desmond Morgan and Brennen Beyer play at crucial times has been a surprise.

This week, once the game gets out of hand, it would be a perfect opportunity to get some freshmen in.

At running back, if Thomas Rawls' shoulder is healthy enough he should get a few carries.  Justice Hayes should certainly play too if they're not planning on red-shirting him.

Defense is where we could see a lot of true freshmen get their first action.  It has been somewhat of a surprise that we haven't seen Antonio Poole yet and it would be a great opportunity to play him.

Frank Clark could also get in the game at rush end.

The fact that we haven't seen Blake Countess yet is a HUGE surprise.  We'll almost certainly see him on Saturday.

We could potentially see some other young corners as well, most notably Greg Brown, but Delonte Hollowell and Raymon Taylor could see the field as well.

2. Get Plenty of Playing Time for the Backups

Hopefully we'll see plenty of backups through much of the second half.

Devin Gardner is probably the main piece you'd like to see in the game, as he would have to play a huge role if Denard ever went down.

As mentioned earlier, it would be good to see some backups at running back play.  Mike Cox is probably the best back that doesn't see game action, so it would be good to get him in.

At wide receiver, we could potentially see a lot of Terrence Robinson.  It would be good to get Jeremy Jackson some time as well. 

We could also see the long-awaited debut of Jerald Robinson, who figures to have a bright future ahead of him.

On the defensive line, Richard Ash and Kenny Wilkins could see time, as the line needs to create depth. 

Carvin Johnson will hopefully get some of his issues straightened out at safety, while Josh Furman may also see his first action.

These and some other backups need to see the field, as Michigan is lacking depth at many positions.

1. Allow Players with Injuries to Sit out and Get Healed Up

Michigan had quite a few players miss the Notre Dame game due to injury.

Even if those players are ready for this week, it wouldn't be a bad move to sit them out anyway.

Brandon Herron, Cam Gordon, Fitz Toussaint, Troy Woolfolk and Tay Odoms are all dealing with injuries.

Realistically, you don't need any of those guys this week.  We will certainly see a few of them, but they will be needed much more for next week against San Diego State.

It is unknown when both Herron and Gordon will return, but Toussaint and Woolfolk are likely good to go this weekend.

Odoms hasn't seen the field much at all this season and his return could be a little longer.