Eastern Michigan vs. Michigan: Game Preview, Over/Under, Spread, Pick and More

Eastern Michigan is looking to prove they aren't just another small school who beats up on inferior opponents, while Michigan is right on the verge of breaking into the Top 25. This game is the third of five straight games at the Big House and a 5-0 start would do wonders for the Wolverines.

Eastern Michigan comes into this game 2-0, though they haven't seen an opponent like Michigan yet. This will be a solid measuring stick for Eastern Michigan and a nice break for Michigan after their outstanding performance against Notre Dame.

Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan

When: Saturday, Sept. 17th - 12:00 p.m. ET

Watch: The Big Ten Network 

Spread: 

Michigan -29, Eastern Michigan +29

Note: Line according to Bodog

Over/Under:

Take the over. Penn State has already shown their ability to ruin a bad team and put up mega points. Temple hasn't been held to under 40 all season. No way these teams score less than 40.5 combined.

Key Injuries:

Eastern Michigan

     Kinsan Thomas, Questionable

Michigan

     Brandon Herron, Probable

     Cameron Gordon, Questionable

     Will Hagerup, Out

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications:

Michigan is really one week away from cracking the rankings. They are right on the cusp of doing so now and as long as they are able to take care of Eastern Michigan, they'll be able to jump into the rankings as teams slip out of them.

Keys to Michigan Win:

Michigan is playing in the Big House for the third of five consecutive home games. They have already knocked down two opponents and unless some unforeseen miracle happens, they should be able to put on a show in front of their home crowd.

Denard Robinson doesn't have to be spectacular to win this one, but it would help. This is a fine-tuning game, where Robinson can jack up his numbers and work out any kinks that may linger.

Keys to Eastern Michigan Win:

All things considered, it's tough to call Eastern Michigan a bad team. They're just out of their weight class. They beat ASU last week by seven (no not that ASU, Alabama State University), and will be looking to ride that confidence to a victory.

Eastern Michigan has to get the run game going early. With Javonti Greene and Dominique Sherrer paving the way, the Eastern Michigan offense needs to limit their own passing game. They can't afford any mistakes and the strength of their team is clearly in their run game.

Prediction:

Eastern Michigan 7, Michigan 43

Michigan has so much to lose in this game that it's hard to see them taking it easy on their outmatched in-state opponent. This game is in the Big House and it's hard to see Eastern Michigan competing on either side of the ball.