During a teleconference on Wednesday, Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon referenced an old Bo Schembechler policy: the red-letter game.

"He would take the schedule and during the preseason he'd walk the team through it and say every game was important," Brandon said. "But he would take the schedule and color in red letters, the games that were more important."

Of course, Michigan State and Ohio State were always included, but there was one important note about what games were red-letter games:

"Every year, regardless who we played, the first game was a red-letter game," Brandon said.

The first game of the season always sets the tone, but this game feels a little different. Of course, Michigan's game in the Big House tomorrow against Connecticut will set the tone for the rest of the season, but with a brand-new look for the stadium and a coach even more on the hotseat, it seems like this game sets the tone for something more.

The christening of the "new" Big House adds just a bit more weight to this year's first red-letter game, but you don't need to tell that to Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez.

"I think it means a lot, especially for our players and our staff," Rodriguez said. "The guys have been through a lot, they've worked really hard and there's nothing like the feeling after a win in the locker room and the momentum that adds for the following week."

That win certainly won't come easy tomorrow.

Connecticut comes to the Big House boasting one of the Big East's better rushing attacks from last year. The Huskies ranked fourth in the conference in total rush yards in 2009 with 2,219. Despite No. 1 guy Andre Dixon graduating, Jordan Todman accounted for 1,188 of those yards last year and he's a returning junior.

Michigan's defensive line will have its hands full with the tough offensive line of Connecticut, but lucky for the Wolverines defensive line, it's probably the strongest area of the defense.

"One thing we're going to have to do is tackle well," Rodriguez said. "I think the biggest key for us defensively is getting guys on the ground. They've got an outstanding tailback and they've got great skill guys."

Defensively, Connecticut is smaller on the line, but very good at linebacker. Arguably the Huskies' most feared player is linebacker Lawrence Wilson, a first-team All-Big East selection last year and the team's leading tackler.

Michigan fans are still uncertain which quarterback will be the one staring Wilson down at the start of the game tomorrow. Reports from camp would seem to indicate sophomore Denard Robinson will get the nod, but depending on how things go, it's likely the Wolverines will play at least one of the two other quarterbacks, sophomore Tate Forcier and freshman Devin Gardner.

Arguably the most important advantage Michigan has is its experienced offensive line. Redshirt junior center David Molk and senior guard Stephen Schilling anchor a line that should be able to open up plenty of holes for the bevy of Wolverine running backs to burst through.

Of course, an area of major concern for Michigan will be its secondary. However, if the defensive line and linebackers can get enough pressure on the quarterback and contain the running attack, that should take some of the pressure off what is sure to be a very young defensive backfield.

When asked what it was like finally preparing for a game against another team earlier in the week, redshirt sophomore wide receiver Roy Roundtree said, "It's finally here."

And fans hope that means a new era of Michigan football is finally here, as well.