Today, the 2-0 Utah Utes will travel to Michigan to face the 2-1 Wolverines in their last out-of-conference bout. Last week, Michigan was solid in their win over Miami (OH). Running backs De’Veon Smith and Derrick Green rushed for a combined 184 yards, the vast majority coming from Green.
A victory over Utah is much needed for Michigan to prove to the country that losing to Notre Dame didn’t embody their team’s capability. There is speculation that today is a must-win for head coach Brady Hoke, whose seat has heated up as each week passes. A win over Utah will strengthen his chances of keeping his job.
This season, the Utes are off to a solid start. They were easily victorious in their first two games against Idaho State (56-14) and Fresno State (59-27). They are now coming of a bye week that gave them additional time to rest and prepare for Devin Gardner and the Wolverines.
Here is the latest injury report for both teams:
Michigan: TE Khalid Hill (hamstring), CB Raymon Taylor (leg), S Jarrod Wilson (undisclosed), WR Devin Funchess (leg) questionable; LB Desmond Morgan (arm), doubtful; WR Drake Harris (hamstring), OL Kyle Bosch (personal), RB Ty Isaac (ineligible) out.
Utah: LB Gionni Paul (foot), probable; WR Geoffrey Norwood (undisclosed), questionable; LB Jason Whittingham (undisclosed), doubtful, LB Jacoby Hale (knee) out, DB Reginald Porter (knee).
Utah’s offensive line has held up suitably so far this season. Their run-heavy offense has averaging 248 yards per game. Michigan’s rowdy fan base will test the Utes at the line of scrimmage, they can’t afford any false starts and avoiding game changing penalties. Michigan quarterback, Devin Gardner needs to do a better job protecting the ball. This is a Utah team that is averaging 57.5 points per game, the last thing the Wolverines need is to put the ball in the Utes’ hands. Michigan should have the hypothetical home-field advantage, but Utah was victorious at Michigan Stadium back in 2008 winning 25-23, and the matchup discrepancies will fare too difficult to overcome.
Prediction: Utah-35 Michigan-28
Kick off starts at 3:30 PM EDT
Who: Michigan Wolverines(2-1) and Utah Utes(2-0)
When: Saturday September 20, 2014
Where: Michigan Stadium. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Television Coverage: ABC
Radio Coverage: Michigan Sports Network, Sirius 113, XM 195
*Section Photo credit to Andrew Weber, USA Today Sports; Featured Photo (above) credit to the University of Utah
