Michigan Football: Scouting Week 1 opponent Western Michigan

Prediction

Western Michigan will be a good season-opening test for Michigan on multiple fronts. Eleby and Western Michigan’s passing attack will be a good test for the U-M secondary entering this season with questions.

With his strong arm, Eleby could look to test Michigan football’s corners vertically early on. The Western Michigan offensive line will be a good test for a Michigan pass rush that only had 9 sacks last season.

While averaging 40 points per game is impressive on any level, it is worth noting that Western Michigan played a Mac-only schedule. The MAC can be diet-Big 12 to a degree with the amount of high-scoring games in the conference.

The same caveat applies to the Broncos’ defense. I suspect that Western Michigan will have some success moving the ball on Michigan, particularly early while the Wolverines are settling in.

However, Michigan’s offense going against Western Michigan’s defense should be a clear advantage for the Wolverines.

Western Michigan is undersized on its defensive line. Fayad goes about 255 lbs, Holley weighs 285 lbs at nose tackle while Hoji-Badri weighs 275 lbs.

The Broncos have only have three defensive linemen listed at 300 pounds. Contrast that with a Michigan offensive line that would average 6-foot-6 and 319.2 lbs, assuming a starting five of Ryan Hayes, Trevor Keegan, Zak Zinter, Andrew Stueber, and Karsen Barnhart.

With three talented backs in Hassan Haskins, Blake Corum, and Donovan Edwards, Michigan football should use its size advantage to have a big day on the ground.

Assuming Cade McNamara earns the starting job spot, I think he will find a rhythm early against the Broncos’ defense.

I think the Broncos put up a fight early on but I think Michigan will be too much for them in the end. The Wolverines should be able to get in some reps for true freshman quarterback J.J McCarthy as well.

Prediction: Michigan 45, Western Michigan 21