Michigan Wolverines: Utah — What May Happen — Part I

Sep 6, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Kenneth Scott (2) runs after a reception during the first half against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Posted at 5:30am — 9/19/2014

Michigan Wolverines: Utah — What May Happen — Part I

Dangerous But Doable

There is no guarantee about anything Saturday at the Big House, except that fans should see some offense. Utah will bring in a high-powered spread offense that is returning plenty of talent and regaining several key injured players from last year.

Sep 6, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Andre Lewis (49) runs into the end zone after catching a pass during the second half against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 59-27. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY SportsUtah is a splendid state to visit and hike. The northern areas are high plains desert, while the central and southern parts are hot and sparsely populated. The National Parks in the southern region are wonderful and a geologist’s bucket list. Utah and Brigham Young have been a featured rivalry for decades, one of America’s best.

How Michigan is a favorite in this game is a head scratcher. Utah has beat up on two lower tier teams, Idaho State and Fresno State, while Michigan has not looked quite as impressive in securing wins against Appalachian State and Miami University. Between the two wins was the very disappointing and still devastating loss to Notre Dame. Utah has a dynamic offense and an underrated defense. Michigan has an offense that is trying to become dynamic and a defense that has as a goal to become better against spread teams like Utah and Ohio State.

Michigan is one play away from being undefeated at home in three years. This win would be a prize for Utah, or for that matter, Michigan. The eastern part of the country has not seen many Utah games on television. That may change with the PAC Twelve channel now pouring out games every weekend. Utah is a serious team, with strengths, and is not to be brushed off as anything second-tier.

Aug 28, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham looks out onto the field before the game between the Utah Utes and the Idaho State Bengals at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY SportsUtah will bring an Ohio State like spread offense into the Big House, Kyle Whittingham is in his 20th season coaching at Utah, ten seasons as Head Coach. He came from Brigham Young where he was a fine linebacker and played during the time period when the cougars were a legendary offensive powerhouse during the prime years of Emeritus Coach, Lavell Edwards. Whittingham has spent a good part of his career as a defensive coach. So, he brings knowledge from both sides.

Utah went 13-0 in 2008, beating (shocking?) Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. In the last few years Utah has beaten several big name programs; Whittingham and Utah have done exceedingly well in Bowl games, including a 2-0 record in BCS bowl games. Those who consider Utah a second tier program, as some also considered Kansas State, are mistaken. Utah is a tough win and any defensive coordinator will need to be intense, thorough, and precise in game day preparation.

Last year, Utah got off to a very strong start. Then, injuries to skilled players created a tough finish in the strong PAC 12 Conference. The last two seasons have yielded 5-7 overall records. Utah plays a difficult schedule. The “easy marks” are done as the Utes now play Michigan and will see a PAC 12 schedule that includes USC, UCLA, Stanford, Arizona, Arizona State, and Oregon.

Part II will consist with themes for the game.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu

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