Last week, both Michigan and Utah suffered crushing defeats and now are looking to make a statement. Utah coach Ron McBride has his Utes on the rise, earning the respect of big-time conferences and competing for the Mountain West conference title. Utah lacks the depth and talent of Michigan, but if it can shrug off last week's loss, the Utes will give Michigan problems.

Michigan passing offense vs. Utah passing defense: Against Notre Dame, the Michigan passing offense was on and off with overthrown and dropped passes, fumbled balls and throws tipped at the line. Some of that was caused by the aggressive Irish defense, but the unit is still flawed.

Utah's pass defense has not been spectacular, giving up an average of nearly 300 yards per game. The Wolverines will need to find a passing game before the Big Ten season, and this could be their game to find it.

Edge: Michigan

Michigan rushing offense vs. Utah rushing defense: Like Notre Dame, Utah forces turnovers and especially fumbles. Last week against Arizona, the Utes forced four fumbles and recovered two. Michigan coughed up the ball three times against the Irish, including one each by Chris Perry and B.J. Askew.

Add a stifling rush defense to the aggressiveness and regardless of how talented the Michigan backfield is, Utah will win this battle if the Wolverines cannot hold on to the ball.

Edge: Utah

Utah passing offense vs. Michigan passing defense: Utah is primarily a rushing team, but an injury to Marty Johnson has forced the Utes to move to a more pass-oriented offense that has had only moderate success. Quarterback Lance Rice has been efficient but unspectacular. Marlin Jackson will again shutdown one side of the field for Michigan, and the rest of the Wolverines' secondary should contain the rest of the Utes receivers.

Notre Dame quarterback Carlyle Holiday proved that the Wolverines are susceptible to mobility. If Rice can find this characteristic and take advantage of it, Utah has a chance against the Wolverines' defense.

Edge: Michigan

Utah rushing offense vs. Michigan rushing defense: The Utes had one of the best rushing games in the nation before the loss of star running back Johnson. Now with Johnson out for the season, Utah needs someone to step up. That didn't happen against Arizona as five players combined for 32 net yards rushing.

Notre Dame running back Ryan Grant had surprising success against the Michigan line last week, rushing for over 100 yards and two touchdowns. But without an emerging running back, Utah should be stopped by a Michigan defense looking for respect.

Edge: Michigan

Special teams: Michigan has no kicking game. Teams need a kicking game to win. Above all else, this is the most important aspect of special teams. So while Michigan has a quality return unit, Utah has a kicking game. If this winds up to be close, the Utes can rely back on kicker Bryan Borreson, who has made 75 percent of his field goals, including two from 50 yards and beyond.

Edge: Utah

Intangibles: While Utah is admittedly not intimidated by Michigan Stadium, home field advantage is still a major factor in college football and will be on Saturday. Also, historically, Michigan has faired will against mid-major conference teams at home.

Edge: Michigan

Michigan 28, Utah 21