One game down, 12 to go.
Even though the 5th-ranked Wolverines beat up on Central
Michigan to open the season last Saturday, there are still many
burning questions that fans are hoping will be answered this
weekend. Michigan will welcome Houston to the Big House and looks
to start the season 2-0 before heading into a tough matchup with
Notre Dame.
Houston opened the season on a high note with a 48-14 win over
Rice. The Cougars were led by freshman quarterback Kelvin Kolb, who
threw for two touchdowns and also ran for a pair. He finished with
246 passing yards.
Michigan pass offense vs. Houston pass defense: Michigan
quarterback John Navarre was on against the Chippewas and should
have no problem putting up similar numbers against the Cougars. The
senior went 19-for-31 for 245 yards, an interception and a pair of
touchdowns. Despite one pick, it was a solid season opener overall.
Receiver Braylon Edwards saw limited playing time but still managed
to reel in a pair of touchdowns.
Beyond Edwards, the Wolverines showed substantial depth
Saturday, with Steve Breaston, Calvin Bell and Jason Avant each
pulling in more than three catches. Breaston was the most pleasant
surprise, as his four catches for 72 yards gave Michigan a big
offensive boost. The Cougars will have a difficult time dealing
with Michigan’s depth, and the Wolverines should have the upper
hand.
Edge: Michigan
Houston pass offense vs. Michigan pass defense: Houston’s
Kolb performed very well against Rice last weekend, but Rice is not
Michigan, and things will be very different tomorrow. The Cougars’
Brandon Middleton could be a potential threat, as he pulled in four
catches for 122 yards last weekend, but he might be the only force
Houston comes with.
The Michigan secondary all but shut down the Chippewas’ passing
game, allowing just 150 total yards. Jeremy LeSueur led the effort
with one interception and a pair of pass breakups. Markus Curry
made a team-high nine tackles.
The return of Marlin Jackson and Ernest Shazor to safety should
give the Wolverines even more strength, quickness and athleticism
in the secondary, which will only make things harder for the
Cougars. The Wolverines will control this part of the game.
Edge: Michigan
Michigan rush offense vs. Houston rush defense: After a
dominating performance against Central Michigan, Michigan’s Chris
Perry now leads the nation in rushing with 232 yards on 22 carries.
It might be just one game in, but it’s still a big start for the
senior, who is playing under high expectations. Perry’s job is a
little easier this year, as the Wolverines now boast one of the
most experienced and powerful offensive lines in the nation. The
running back had some big holes to run through in scoring a pair of
touchdowns last weekend. Backup David Underwood was also
impressive, which gives Michigan a strong balance in the backfield.
Houston gave up 206 total yards on the ground to Rice. Perry alone
racked up more than that against Central, and he should have no
problems finding the holes once again.
Edge: Michigan
Houston rush offense vs. Michigan rush defense: This was,
by far, the weakest part of Michigan’s game against Central
Michigan. After giving up 218 total rushing yards, the defensive
line seemed appalled by their performance.
“It made us sick to our stomach,” Michigan defensive end Larry
Stevens said. “Even though they only had seven points, they had 200
yards rushing on us. That is sickening. If you are a competitor,
regardless of what the score is, you will take that
personally.”
Still, Stevens and defensive tackle Norman Heuer both felt the
problem was mainly knowing where to be and filling the gaps in
time.
Regardless, Houston does not boast a powerful running game, and
the Wolverines should come out with a higher resolve to make up for
last week’s performance.
Edge: Michigan
Intangibles: Everything in this category goes to the
Wolverines. From playing in the Big House to the Wolverines’
confidence heading in, Houston will have to overcome much more than
a talent gap to make it close. The teams met in 1992 and 1993, with
both games going to the Wolverines.
Edge: Michigan
Prediction: New Houston coach Art Briles had an
impressive debut against Rice last weekend, but he, along with
about 110,000 other people, know it’s going to be a much different
story tomorrow. As long as Michigan doesn’t get too wrapped up
looking ahead to next weekend and the Fighting Irish, the
Wolverines should once again come away with a win.
Michigan 48, Houston 10