Utah Utes gameday
UTAH (0-0, 0-0) at Michigan (0-0, 0-0)
Today, 1:30 p.m. — Michigan Stadium (106,201) — FieldTurf — Ann Arbor, Mich.
TV: ABC, Ch. 4 — Radio: 700 AM
Player to watch
TERRANCE TAYLOR, Michigan nose tackle: Michigan nose tackle Terrance Taylor is a 6-foot, 308-pound senior who led the Wolverines' defensive line with 55 tackles last season. The all-conference honoree headlines an experienced front four capable of making things difficult for the Utes.
Key matchup
UTAH'S offensive line vs. Michigan's defensive line: The Utes return four starters up front and will be put to the test against a veteran group of defenders for the Wolverines. Utah, plain and simple, needs to sustain its blocks.
THE STAKES
For Utah ... A victory would likely land the Utes in the Top 25 and heat up talk about another trip to the Bowl Championship Series. A lopsided loss would pretty much silence folks on the topic.
For Michigan ... The Wolverines would love to open the Rich Rodriguez era on a high note. It would also help ease the sting of last season's opening loss at home to Appalachian State.
THE TRENDS
For Utah ... Utah is 64-49-1 all-time in season-openers, including a 17-30 mark when starting on the road.
For Michigan ... Michigan is 106-17-2 in season-opening games and 90-14-2 at home.
THE EDGE
Utah will win if ... The Utes are able to stay healthy and execute. Quarterback Brian Johnson and running back Matt Asiata were injured in last year's season-opening loss at Oregon State.
Michigan will win if ... Rodriguez has an immediate impact on the Wolverines. If Michigan is able to run the spread offense effectively, it will take pressure off the defense.
INJURY REPORT
The Utes made it through camp without any serious injuries.
Today, 1:30 p.m. — Michigan Stadium (106,201) — FieldTurf — Ann Arbor, Mich.
TV: ABC, Ch. 4 — Radio: 700 AM
Player to watch
TERRANCE TAYLOR, Michigan nose tackle: Michigan nose tackle Terrance Taylor is a 6-foot, 308-pound senior who led the Wolverines' defensive line with 55 tackles last season. The all-conference honoree headlines an experienced front four capable of making things difficult for the Utes.
Key matchup
UTAH'S offensive line vs. Michigan's defensive line: The Utes return four starters up front and will be put to the test against a veteran group of defenders for the Wolverines. Utah, plain and simple, needs to sustain its blocks.
THE STAKES
For Utah ... A victory would likely land the Utes in the Top 25 and heat up talk about another trip to the Bowl Championship Series. A lopsided loss would pretty much silence folks on the topic.
For Michigan ... The Wolverines would love to open the Rich Rodriguez era on a high note. It would also help ease the sting of last season's opening loss at home to Appalachian State.
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THE TRENDS
For Utah ... Utah is 64-49-1 all-time in season-openers, including a 17-30 mark when starting on the road.
For Michigan ... Michigan is 106-17-2 in season-opening games and 90-14-2 at home.
THE EDGE
Utah will win if ... The Utes are able to stay healthy and execute. Quarterback Brian Johnson and running back Matt Asiata were injured in last year's season-opening loss at Oregon State.
Michigan will win if ... Rodriguez has an immediate impact on the Wolverines. If Michigan is able to run the spread offense effectively, it will take pressure off the defense.
INJURY REPORT
The Utes made it through camp without any serious injuries.
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