Michigan football will be back in the Big House on Saturday afternoon for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff against UTEP.
After it was announced that the Iowa game will also be played at 3:30 Eastern time, the Wolverines will be in the same time slot two weeks in a row.
Despite all the talk about the Western Michigan game and the criticism directed at Michigan, even if it has been unwarranted, the Wolverines found a way against Oklahoma.
That got the focus back to football, at least until Wednesday. That being said, Michigan is a 34.5-point favorite. Oklahoma defeated UTEP 51-0. That doesn't mean Michigan can overlook the Miners.
They scored 51 points in a win over Texas Southern last week. The Miners will also be motivated to play better than they did in Week 1. Michigan's defense is one reason to feel confident that Michigan will win the game. Covering the spread will come down to Bryce Underwood.
There are some other things that need to happen. With that in mind, here are three things the Wolverines need to improve this week.
The running game
We talked about it being a red flag earlier this week. Michigan has played two solid defenses, so there is no need to overreact, but the running game hasn't been good enough. Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter have combined for 97 yards on 35 carries.
That's one of the most shocking stats associated with this team. Michigan has been close to breaking some big runs. Hopefully, the offensive line will be more in sync, they will finish better, and do a better job of getting to the second level.
Jim Harding is an elite O-line coach. Everybody playing this season has started games in the past, so it will get figured out. My money is on over 200 yards rushing on Saturday.
Andrew Marsh needs to get involved
The passing game needs to improve. Michigan is throwing for just 140.5 yards per game. Underwood didn't throw a ton in the second half last week, which was understandable against Brent Venables.
Expect more of a wide-open attack this week. JJ Buchanan has been stellar, but Michigan has to get Andrew Marsh involved. The sophmore has five receptions for 28 yards. He should double or triple that total this week, at least it would be nice to see that or go over 100 yards for the first time this season.
Overall, the passing game needs to improve. Getting Marsh involved is the easiest way to do that. He was one of Underwood's favorite targets last season. If the passing game is going to find its way, Marsh has to get more involved.
Cut back on penalties
Michigan is ranked in the top 10 in college football in penalties, with 20. That's not what you expect when you think of Kyle Whittingham. His teams are known for discipline. That should improve. Some of the penalties were just bad luck, like the sack by Dominic Nichols that turned into a facemask because John Mateer's helmet came off.
Without some key penalties, such as a few free first downs given to Oklahoma in key situations, as well as a holding call that took back one of the best runs of the season by Savion Hiter, last week's game could have been won by 2-3 scores.
Clean football should be a focus this week. Surely, for Whittingham, it is.
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