It appears many are forgetful of last year's game. Allow us to recap some key stats.
1. Utah's feared running game racked up 81 yards on 37 carries.....2.2 yards per carry.
2. Time of possession: Michigan 33:32 Utah 26:28
3. TURNOVERS: Michigan 4 Utah 1. Most importantly 3 of the TOs were interceptions which ruined our QB's momentum and attitude.
4. Utah's total offensive production 286 yards.
Here is my prediction: Michigan will not have 4 TOs. Michigan O line is going to be much improved...they are all more experienced and better coached. Michigan's D line and LBs are going to better than last year; 3 SR LBs and the return of the entire D line...the same bunch that held Utah to 81 yards rushing. Ruddock will NOT be Gardner and better manage a game on the road...he has much more experience. And finally, Michigan's running attack will dominate the game. Michigan will pound the short game and use the TEs to control the clock....Ruddock does not commit silly TOs.
One more point. I view the road game as a benefit to Michigan. With Coach Harbaugh's return, Michigan stadium and Ann Arbor would be zoo full of distractions all week.
Michigan 28 Utah 17.
Great discussion on the game, and we're excited to host the Wolverines in SLC. I have a few counter-points to the points from a Utah perspective:
When our back-up QB came in after our starter face-planted while trying to hurdle 2 men on the sideline to gain 7 yards
, he was sacked 3 times for -32 yards. If you take out those 3 plays, our YPC was 3.3. Your YPC in the game last year? 3.3.
Also, Devonte Booker only had 11 carries in the game. He wasn't our starting RB until game 5. From that point forward, he averaged nearly 27 carries per game.
I know your team had negative plays too, so it isn't really fair to be selective when talking numbers. Just know that our running game from last year's Michigan game is not reflective of what it will be for the game this year. We also return an experienced O-line (4 of 5 starters from last year).
As for Michigan's running game dominating the game, I would be surprised if that happened. Utah's rush defense is very good against non-spread teams, and our front 7 is expected to be one of, if not the top in the Pac-12 this year. It's going to be Michigan's strength on offense against Utah's strength on defense.
It's going to be a good game, and I hope those of you who are coming out for the game enjoy yourselves. If you have any questions about the area or our team, I'd be glad to answer them.
Also, I don't really consider this our "biggest" game of the year, and I would wager that most Utah fans agree with me. It's certainly our biggest OOC game, but we play 5 ranked teams in conference play. All of those are "bigger" games than this, even if they don't get the media hype that we'll have here for Harbaugh's first game back.
