San Diego St. vs. Michigan Week 4: 5 Things Wolverines Must do to Stay Unbeaten

Michigan will face a huge test this weekend when San Diego State travels to the Big House.  The Aztecs are 3-0 and are coming off a fairly impressive win over a much-improved Washington State team.

If Michigan expects to win this game, they are going to have to play much better than they did last week against Eastern Michigan.

Here are five things that Michigan must do to beat Brady Hoke's former team.

5. The Offensive Line Has to Play Better

What was supposed to be one of the strengths of this Michigan team hasn't exactly performed up to expectations yet.

They haven't been blocking well enough for the running backs—part of the reason no back has established themselves yet.

There is no reason that this Michigan offensive line can't be great. David Molk is one of the best centers in the country, while Taylor Lewan is one of the best young tackles in the country.

Patrick Omameh was extremely solid at guard last year, but hasn't played as well this year. Mark Huyge and Ricky Barnum are probably the two weakest spots on the line, but still aren't bad.

This group needs to play well this weekend, as San Diego State is no pushover.

4. The Defensive Line Has to Get Pressure

Again, this defensive line was supposed to be the strength of this Michigan defense, but hasn't performed well so far.

Craig Roh had been nonexistent up until last week, and both Ryan Van Bergen and Mike Martin haven't been the forces that fans were expecting.

The hype surrounding Nate Brink seemed to be just that—hype. Will Heininger has actually played most of the time, but hasn't been great.

This Michigan defensive line just has to get pressure on San Diego State QB Ryan Lindley this weekend. They can't allow him to sit back in the pocket and pick apart this Michigan defense.

Michigan's secondary just isn't good enough yet to stop quarterbacks who have plenty of time to throw the ball.

3. The Running Backs Need to Step Up

Michigan finally had somebody step up at running back last week, and it probably wasn't who most expected—Vincent Smith.

He rushed for 118 yards, the first 100-yard performance by a Wolverine running back this year.

Well, somebody is going to have to at least play well again this weekend. If not, the San Diego State defense will simply focus in on Denard Robinson.

Denard won't be able to run for 198 yards on this defense like he did on Eastern Michigan's last week, so it is crucial that he gets some help running the ball.

Fitz Toussaint seems like the most likely candidate, but he hasn't established himself yet. Mike Shaw is another option, but he surprisingly barely even played against Eastern.

And who knows what will happen with Stephen Hopkins, especially after he didn't even get a carry last weekend.

If none of those guys are able to, don't rule out Vincent Smith a repeat-performance from last week.

2. Slow Down Ronnie Hillman

Only a sophomore, Aztec RB Ronnie Hillman is one of the better backs in the country.

The chances of Michigan shutting him down this weekend are very slim, but they don't need to; they only need to slow him down, and hold him to 100 yards or fewer.

Not only will Michigan's defensive line play a crucial role in how effective he is, but the linebackers as well.

Kenny Demens is a solid tackler, but needs to stop overrunning and over-pursuing plays. Brandin Hawthorne, meanwhile, has sure been a pleasant surprise and has had considerable playing time thus far.

Jake Ryan is only a freshman, but looks to be an absolute monster. Whether or not Cam Gordon and Brandon Herron return from injury this week remains to be seen.

After starting the opener, Mike Jones has basically not even seen the field again. Expect to see some young linebackers on the field, particularly Desmond Morgan, and maybe even Brennen Beyer.

All of these players will be crucial to slowing down Hillman.

1. Denard Needs to Throw the Ball Better

Denard Robinson looked extremely disappointing throwing the ball last week, as he only completed 7-of-18 passes. He must do better this week.

There is a good chance that San Diego State will do everything they can to stop the run, forcing Denard to throw the ball effectively.

He has proven that he has the ability to do it, but hasn't shown it recently.

It is amazing how quiet Roy Roundtree has been this year, as his catch against Notre Dame is seemingly the only big play he has had all year.

The absence of Tay Odoms has been somewhat of a surprise as well.

Some of the receivers need to step up and help Denard out, although he does need to be much more accurate as well.

Look for Denard to throw the ball better this weekend, as he can't do much worse than he did against Eastern.