Texas travels to Ann Arbor this weekend for a premier nonconference matchup. The games kicks off at noon on Saturday. Texas is the betting favorite right now and most experts seem to think they'll fly back to Austin with a win. Don't panic Michigan fans and don't get too cocky Longhorns faithful, because here are 5 reason why Michigan can beat Texas.
1 -
Because last week was just another example of how Michigan has won the last 3 years.
The last 3 years have been very successful for the Wolverines. They didn't always come out and blow the doors off teams though. They pounded and pounded many into submission with their running games and line dominance. Some fans are frustrated with their performance last week against Fresno State, but they put the pressure on the Bulldogs and forced them to make critical mistakes like the late INT for a Will Johnson TD.
2 -
The pass rush.
Ewers is an elite talent at the QB position, there's no arguing that. But even the best don't want to see a pass rush like Michigan is capable of showing. The defensive unit totaled 3 sacks last week. Grant and Graham in the middle are a force. Probably the best tandem in the country. Josiah Stewart, Derrick Moore and Rayshaun Benny all provided pressure.
3 -
We worry about the Texas offense, but who are they're receivers again?
Let's not forget 2 things here. First, Michigan has a ton of talent in the defensive backfield. This included what is probably the best cornerback in the country in Will Johnson. He didn't have his best game last week, but I wouldn't expect that again. Second, Texas did lose their top 4 pass catchers from last year. Getting the best of the Michigan secondary is a lot to ask from some very talented, but mostly unproven receivers.
4 -
Thunder and Lightning will show up.
Michigan prides itself on it's running back room and there was/is a lot of excitement about the Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings tandem. That didn't really pan out in week 1 against Fresno State. Mullings led the way which was a little surprising to me. But the rushing attack seemed a little bland and inside the guards heavy. I expect them to open it up and find ways to get Edwards the ball outside the tackles, through the run and the pass.
5 -
The trenches.
We talked about the defensive line. 99 times out of 100, Michigan wins that matchup. The offensive line for the Wolverines was a pretty big disappointment last week. That could very easily be a blip on the radar, because you still see top level talent combined with proven players across the o-line. Josh Priebe wasn't an All Big 10 guard on accident and Giovanni El-Hadi was a part time starter on the best offensive line in the country last year.