Michigan Rush Offense vs. UCONN Rush Defense
Even though the front seven will be the overall strength of the UCONN defense, this is a battle that Michigan should win. UCONN has lost two starting defensive ends prior to the season-opener. Greg Lloyd, a second team All-BIG EAST player a year ago, will play middle linebacker rather than defensive end in the season opener. Marcus Campbell, a returning starter at the other defensive end spot was lost for the season early on in camp.
With UCONN’s two primary defensive ends not slated to start, Denard Robinson’s speed on the edge becomes an even bigger factor in this game. I see Robinson’s speed on the edge combined with some healthy doses of Mike Shaw and Vincent Smith giving the UCONN defense fits.
Advantage: Michigan
UCONN Rush Offense vs. Michigan Rush Defense
UCONN returns four starters on a veteran offensive line that cleared a lot of running room last year for junior Jordan Todman. Todman ran for nearly 1,200 yards last year to go along with 14 touchdowns. Michigan’s strength on defense is also the front seven.
This matchup pits strength on strength for each offense and defense. I think that these units are so evenly matched that you will see UCONN pick up most of their rushing yardage on broken plays that spring Todman loose into the secondary.
Advantage: Even
Michigan Pass Offense vs. UCONN Pass Defense
UCONN will more than likely be starting three sophomores in the secondary from a pass defense that was far from good this past season. I know Michigan fans are very nervous about Denard Robinson’s debut as a starter and whether we’ll see the marked improvement we saw in the Spring Game in an actual game setting.
I think that due to Denard’s ability to get yards with his feet early in the game, the Huskies will be forced to play plenty of man-to-man coverage. If Denard has single coverage against Roundtree and Stonum, he could be looking at a very very impressive opener.
Advantage: Michigan
UCONN Pass Offense vs. Michigan Pass Defense
Will this category ever be advantage Michigan over the entire season? Maybe UMass and Bowling Green will make our secondary look good, but all I’m hoping for this weekend is that they are able to keep Zach Frazer from doing too much damage.
Frazer’s numbers in 2009 were decent for starting seven games, but he is not the type of guy to put a team on his back and carry them to a win. UCONN lost their top two receivers from 2009 so this could help our secondary not be too exposed. Michigan will need to get pressure on Frazer and force the senior into a few turnovers in order to prevent the UCONN passing attack from totally exposing our young secondary.
Advantage: UCONN
Special Teams
Michigan’s return game should be solid with Stonum returning kicks and Odoms back as a quality punt returner. Both schools will be breaking in new punters and I think freshman Will Hagerup will make sure Michigan fans don’t miss Zoltan for too long. No one really knows who Michigan’s kicker will be and UCONN is returning Dave Teggart who only made 14-23 field goals in 2009.
Advantage: Even
Upshot for Saturday
Michigan will have more talent and will come out as a highly motivated team ready to remove the stink of 2009. The Big House will be absolutely electric this Saturday with the stadium rededication and a crowd that will be hungry for something to cheer about. The Michigan defense will do enough to keep the Huskies from putting too many points on the scoreboard and Denard Robinson could absolutely turn this game in to his personal coming out party to the college football world.
Rich Rod owned Randy Edsall while he was at West Virginia and Edsall still hasn’t learned to stop the spread. The Michigan offense will be the story come Saturday night.
Final Score: 38-24 Michigan
Enjoy the tailgate... I'll be back with a post after the weekend to recap Saturday's game.
Enjoy the tailgate... I'll be back with a post after the weekend to recap Saturday's game.
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