The Bryce Underwood era for Michigan football starts on Saturday. The Wolverines will open their season against New Mexico, and the former five-star quarterback will get his first career start.
That will be most interesting aspect of the game, which should be a lopsided affair, at least according to Vegas oddsmakers who have Michigan football as a 34.5-point favorite.
it's hard to know what we are going to see from New Mexico. The Lobos have 79 new players, more than any other in the FBS. There are only five returning starters but 31 others who started games for other programs.
Many of these players, including the starting quarterback, Jack Layne, transferred from Idaho to follow Jason Eck, the head coach.
Michigan football fans are expecting a cakewalk. That's a reasonable expectation but it will take more than just showing up. Peering into the crystal ball for the first time this season, here are five bold predictions, plus a pick against the spread.
Michigan completes a 40-yard pass
Last season, the Wolverines didn't complete a single pass of more than 40 yards. It's hard to believe but it's true.
The quarterback was a big issue. Alex Orji couldn't throw well enough to take advantage of his running ability. Davis Warren was a former walk-on for a reason, and the wide receivers didn't have anyone in that room who could go win a one-on-one consistently.
That's not the case anymore. Donaven McCulley will be better than expected. He was very productive two years ago with Indiana. The run game will be the focal point. But I would expect New Mexico to pack the box and force Undrewood to beat them.
McCulley, along with Underwood, is good enough to make that happen. There will be a few shots downfield, and Bryce will hit at least one to the former Indiana Hoosier on Saturday night.