After games that went down to the wire in the past two weeks, Michigan football fans are probably looking forward to breathing easier on Saturday.
Of course, the Wolverines can't think that way. Overlooking Western Michigan was probably one reason Michigan needed a Hail Mary to win that game.
The Wolverines didn't need a Hail Mary to beat Oklahoma. The defense did that, while Bryce Underwood and the offense didn't lose the game. Underwood had 198 total yards (111 passing, 87 rushing). He had one rushing touchdown and zero turnovers, although he did fumble.
Just like the first week, Michigan is a massive favorite. It's understandable, since UTEP lost to Oklahoma in Week 1, 51-0. The Miners did beat Texas Southern 51-10 last week, so Michigan can't just go through the motions.
Looking ahead to Saturday's game, here are five reasons why the Wolverines will win going away.
Michigan's run game will finally get going
It took getting Underwood more involved, but the Wolverines rushed for 152 yards against Oklahoma compared to just 106 against Western Michigan.
UTEP allowed Oklahoma to get just 4.3 yards per carry. The Miners' run defense is solid, and if the Michigan offensive line doesn't show improvement, there could be a frustrating lack of progress again.
It felt like Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter were close to breaking free last week. UTEP isn't Oklahoma. The offensive line should play better, and as long as Underwood isn't sidelined in the running game, and I don't know how he can be, the Wolverines will get over 200 rushing yards for the first time this season.
UTEP's pass defense will allow big plays
People feel a certain way about the Michigan passing attack. People are also saying things about how bad John Mateer is. Well, he completed 11-of-17 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns against this UTEP defense in Week 1.
So if the Wolverines can't take advantage of UTEP this week, that will say a lot about how effective the passing game might be. Even if the box is loaded, Michigan should be able to run the ball, or protect the quarterback.
I don't see anyone being able to cover JJ Buchanan or Andrew Marsh, who desperately needs to get going this week.
Michigan's defense will make life difficult
We saw what Kyle Whittingham was talking about during the offseason when he said the defensive line was the strength of the team. The D-line harassed John Mateer all afternoon.
The Sooners were held under 300 total yards. Oklahoma averaged just 2.9 yards per attempt. Western Michigan had the same rushing average, so it's hard to see the Miners having much success on the ground.
Dominic Nichols, John Henry Daley, and Nate Marshall have been dominant on the edge, so even though EJ Colson has completed 20-of-33 for 291 yards and four touchdowns, Michigan should be able to hold him in check.
The secondary is a bear, too, and Michigan will smother this team with man coverage.
Michigan's depth
Even if UTEP is able to keep this game close during the first half, Michigan will wear down the Miners with its depth, especially in the trenches. Evan Link is supposed to return this week. That should make things better on the offensive line, although Andrew Babalola is still out with an injury.
The difference between the two teams should be really noticeable on the defensive line. Michigan's front pushed around the Sooners last week, and the Wolverines should be able to impose their will on both sides of the ball.
Bryce will be Bryce
Underwood hasn't looked great throwing the ball the past two weeks. The Oklahoma game was a big improvement. He was a lot smarter with the ball. It wasn't in harm's way as much.
I'd like to be in harm's way almost never, unless JJ Buchanan or Marsh happen to also be near it. This Michigan defense is too good for the offense to be loose with the ball.
Some of Underwood's best games last season were at home against New Mexico and Central Michigan. His five-star talent tends to show a little more against Group of Five teams, so expect a big day from Bryce and a convincing win by the Wolverines.
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