Michigan Football: 5 predictions for the Wolverines against Florida

The defenses will own the day, especially early

Playing a bowl game is almost like playing in the first game of the season and with two great defenses featured in this matchup, that could lead to tough sledding early for each offense.

I do expect Michigan to throw more and attack with Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins and Tarik Black, however, both teams want to run the ball early to help make things easier on the quarterbacks. That could lead to a sluggish start.

Michigan is without Higdon, its best back and also its normal right tackle. The Wolverines also missing two key run defenders in Rashan Gary and Devin Bush. Yet, Michigan is still loaded with fast, physical players just like Florida and to me, that will make running the ball tough for either team.

That will leave it up to the quarterbacks to move the football and in the matchup of Patterson and Feleipe Franks, I’d take Patterson all the way. Yet, after Ohio State exposed the Wolverines, you can bet Mullens will test corners Lavert Hill and David Long, as well as Michigan’s linebackers if UM sticks to its man coverage.

At some point, the offenses will start making big plays but don’t expect a shootout. This is going to be a slugfest and early on, I think the offense will have a tough time moving the football.