It may be easy to overlook Eastern Michigan. But if the last two weeks have taught us anything, it’s tough to bounce back from an early-season marquee matchup.

After a close loss to Miami, Florida State limped to a 19-9 snoozer against an FCS school last weekend. Oklahoma State beat Georgia in one of the Pokes’ biggest wins ever — only to be embarrassed by high-powered Houston the next week. And Colorado, after a heart-breaking loss to rival Colorado State, was run out of Toledo by the Rockets.

Now it’s Michigan’s turn.

Following the biggest win of the Rich Rodriguez era, the Wolverines have to refocus this weekend to hold off an Eastern Michigan squad led by former Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English.

With a young roster and depth concerns at some key areas, let’s see if the Wolverines have it in them to avoid an upset and build on their early-season momentum.

Michigan passing offense vs. Eastern Michigan passing defense

A quick look at the Eagles’ season stat sheet raises a huge red flag for freshman quarterback Tate Forcier. Washtenaw County’s other Division-I football team is giving up just 83 yards a game through the air, good for fifth in the NCAA.

Wait — hold your horses.

First off, Eastern’s first game was against the triple-option attack of Army, who compiled a dismal eight yards passing. Not because the Eagles were such defensive stalwarts, but because the Academy attempted just five throws.

And last week, the Eagles faced Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka, who relies much more on his dangerous legs than his subpar arm.

Forcier can use his legs to manipulate the passing attack, and his collection of lightning-fast, talented receivers will present a whole new ballgame. Expect the Eagles’ overrated passing ‘D’ stats to be exposed in a big way.

Edge: Michigan

Michigan rushing offense vs. Eastern Michigan rushing defense

The Eagles have allowed almost 500 yards rushing through two games. Now they’re lining up against Brandon Minor. And Carlos Brown. And Mike Shaw. And Vincent Smith, Denard Robinson and Forcier.

That’s a bundle of rushing weapons to handle for a team that hasn’t shown the slightest ability to slow down the ground game thus far this season.

What makes things worse for the Eagles is that they were completely baffled by Army’s option attack, letting the Knights accumulate 300 rushing yards. Although there are a lot of big differences between a triple option like Army’s and the spread option that Rodriguez employs, the basic concepts are the same.

Michigan is going to score a lot of points — through the air and on the ground.

Edge: Michigan

Michigan passing defense vs. Eastern Michigan passing offense

He’s not the ferocious Rottweiler Jimmy Clausen was, but Eagles’ quarterback Andy Schmitt could carry a similar "Beware of Dog" sign.

The senior has a tireless arm and set the national record last season for single-game pass completions when he put up 58 on Central Michigan. His 2,644 yards and 15 touchdowns last season would make you think Eastern would have been a better team.

For cornerbacks Donovan Warren and Boubacar Cissoko, the thought of covering Eagles’ wide receiver Jacory Stone should bring a sign of relief.

Sure, Stone has been Schmitt’s favorite target for the good portion of their four years together. And 15 catches for 158 yards through two contests isn’t bad either. But after covering Michael Floyd and Golden Tate last week, Stone and company will seem like gravy for Warren and Cissoko.

Edge: Michigan

Michigan rushing defense vs. Eastern Michigan rushing offense

Junior running back Dwayne Priest put up a career-best 127 rushing yards on 17 carries last week in Evanston. Priest might take off once or twice, but don’t expect any breakout, jaw-dropping Eastern Michigan runs.

The Michigan defense needs to redeem itself after allowing 154 rushing yards on the ground against Notre Dame last week. The Eagles look like the perfect rebound team.

Despite returning four full-time starters, the Eagles’ offensive line leaves much to be desired. Want proof? Against Air Force, Schmitt was sacked six times. And that was to a Falcons team which graduated Jack Paulson, who added nine sacks last season.