Michigan Football: Four Utes to Watch Against the Wolverines

Sep 20, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Tim Patrick (9) runs the ball against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

It’s pretty easy to get caught up in Michigan football’s first game of the year being Jim Harbaugh’s debut outing with the Wolverines, but there are a number of other things also worth your attention, namely a few Utes players who could cause problems for Michigan.

Almost everyone is expecting Harbaugh to have his players coached up to their early-season potential by this point, but even if that is the case, there’s nothing to say they can’t be outdone by a Utah team that went 9-4 last season and put away a depleted Michigan 26-10 in an ugly, rain-soaked game.

The Utes return their top quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tackler from last season. There’s a good distribution of talent, even if some of it isn’t completely developed, and there aren’t too many major losses.

Utah won’t field an elite defense Thursday night in college football’s first game of the year, but it may look elite at times when going against a Michigan offense that doesn’t yet have a true identity and also doesn’t have any established threats..

The Utes will have a few players you’ll want to keep your eye on. Again, they’re not elite, but they will offer a significant challenge to Michigan.

Next: Travis Wilson