Eastern Michigan vs Michigan: Game Preview, Over/Under, Spread and Predictions

Denard Robinson and the University of Michigan Wolverines are going to have a much easier time playing the Eastern Michigan Eagles than they did when they went up against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Michigan won in stunning fashion with barely any time left on the clock last week and "Shoelace" Robinson launched his Heisman campaign.

This is going to be a warm up game for Michigan to work some of their defensive difficulties and early game offensive struggles out.

The Wolverines have a very tough schedule in the latter portion of the season and will need to play like they did in the fourth quarter of the Irish game for the entire game to have a chance of shocking the Big Ten.

Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI.

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 17, 2011.

Watch: Big Ten Network

Over/Under: 61

I would take the over here because Michigan puts up a ton of points and will be looking to have their offense in top form for tougher opponents down the road.

Eastern Michigan is capable of putting up points themselves and should be able to score at least seven points against the Wolverines.

The Eagles are a rushing team and Michigan has struggled to stop it. If they could get some luck and play hard, I see them getting a handful of scores. Take the over.

Spread: -29

Tough call but I like Michigan here. They are going to destroy the Eagles by a minimum of three touchdowns but I can see it easily getting out of hand.

Denard Robinson should be motivated to put up a Heisman-winning performance and I think that makes the difference. The kid has something to prove now that he is under the spotlight.

Lay the points and go with the Wolverines.

Key Injuries

RB Dominique Sherrer – PRB (Knee) – The senior No. 1 RB for Eastern Michigan left their game last weekend but should be good to go today. If he cannot go, it will be a huge blow to the Eagles offense

LB Cam Gordon - PRB (Back) – As a freshman, Gordon was 4^th on Michigan for total tackles. He had eight in the season opener and has returned to practice this week. He should be good to go this week.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

Michigan is just outside the top-25 this week and could launch themselves into the polls with a great performance and a team stumbling.

If they somehow lose to the Eagles, they have no BCS or Top 25 chance. Look for them to show up and take care of business

Keys to Eastern Michigan Win

Pound the rock. The Eagles can do one thing well and that’s run. They will need to have all their players go absolutely nuts to pull out a win, but crazier things have happened.

Michigan is the program that lost to Appalachian State a few years back. I don’t see it happening today, though.

Keys to Michigan Win

Execution. If they can execute their defense and offense, they should get a very easy win. It would take a miracle for them to lose this game.

Prediction

Michigan 45, Eastern Michigan 7