Michigan is sitting at 2-0 after two very different weeks of football. It would go a long way for U-M's confidence and in the eyes of the media and fans if the Wolverines dominate UTEP this weekend.
Whenever a team is favored by 35.5 points, the outcome isn't supposed to be in question. That's the situation for Michigan's Week 3 matchup against UTEP, btut we all saw what the maize and blue did against Western Michigan during Week 1. With that being said, the Wolverines rebounded in a huge way in Week 2, defeating then-No. 11 Oklahoma. Now, it's about getting on track in several areas to close out non-conference play against the Miners.
UTEP is 1-1 after beating up on Texas Southern last week 51-10. Coincidentally, their loss came at the hands of Oklahoma by a score of 51-0. Since Michigan beat Oklahoma, they should really beat UTEP, right?
We'll see. We all know the transitive property doesn't work in football.
For Michigan, there are a few key areas that need to be better before launching into conference play, and cleaning them up against UTEP would be a step in the right direction. Head coach Kyle Whittingham is about at his wit's end when it comes to penalties. Playing a clean game is likely at the top of the priorities list. Getting the traditional run game going with Jordan Marshall in particular is also on the to-do list. Finally, it would be great to see some more takeaways.
Whittingham is off to a good start at 2-0, even with the scare in Week 1. Closing out non-conference play with a dominant win over UTEP, where he can rotate some younger guys in, would be a phenomenal way to get ready for the Big Ten. If it's another close one, where the defense has to bail out a clunky offense with no real rhythm, that will not be a good feeling with Iowa coming to town the following week.
Predictions
Brandon Brown:
This needs to be a big time showing for Michigan and its run game. Both Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter need to average more than five yards per carry and both need to find the end zone. UTEP is not good at stopping the run and Michigan really wants to get some chemistry going in that department. It would be great to see Bryce Underwood connect on a couple shot plays as well.
On defense, Jay Hill just needs to keep doing what he's doing. His unit has only given up one touchdown in 8 quarters of football, so keeping pace there would has got to be a goal. It would be great to see Michigan pitch a shutout, but if they can't, getting a couple takeaways and a few sacks from guys like Dom Nichols, Nate Marshall, John Henry Daley and maybe either of the freshmen, Tariq Boney and Carter Meadows, would be great to see ahead of the Hawkeyes.
Michigan 48, UTEP 10
