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Ann Arbor, Mich. • Kyle Whittingham identifies the Big House with good memories.

Brian Johnson throwing for over 300 yards. Paul Kruger and Koa Misi racking up sacks. Louie Sakoda drilling field goal after field goal.

So, yeah, there's a bit of nostalgia for that 2008 meeting with Michigan, when the Utes were able to pull away with a 25-23 victory that jump-started their 13-0 seaon.

But it's time to make some new memories.

"Our guys are excited," Whittingham said. "They're excited to go there and play one of the most storied programs in college football."

Back then, beating Michigan was a sign. It indicated the Utes, who capped their unbeaten season by beating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, were ready for primetime. Then a Mountain West power, Utah started getting taken seriously after slipping away with a W from the gauntlet of Michigan Stadium.

By contrast, this Michigan team might not be among Utah's top five toughest games, depending on how the Pac-12 shakes out. The Wolverines will always be one of college football's most storied programs, but most oddsmakers are calling this game a virtual toss-up. Many football pundits expect Utah to be victorious. And that is why it's probably more important to win this game than it was six years ago. It's unlikely to vault the Utes to an undefeated season, but it's certainly the first major step on the path back to bowl eligibility and maybe more.

"What I see in my team is what I want everyone to see in my team," lineman Junior Salt said. "The progress we've made so far. We still have a lot to do, and I don't think we've hit our potential yet."

Michigan fans have watched two wins and one resounding loss (to Notre Dame): Which team is real, they wonder. Which performance is more true to what the Wolverines are?

The Utes' dilemma is a little more simple.

Through two games, Utah is 2-0, and now enters their biggest non-conference game with an extra week of rest. The numbers so far are on their side: No. 3-ranked scoring offense, No. 4 in pass efficiency, No. 1 in sacks, No. 1 in tackles for a loss. They've won both games by more than doubling their opponent's total.

Here's the question: How much can you trust those wins? Fresno State and Idaho State are a combined 1-5, with a lone win for the Bengals over Chadron State.

While Utah has shown improved execution particularly on offense, there remains a question of legitmacy. Michigan hasn't looked like a Big Ten title contender yet, but the No. 7 defense in the country will offer some real looks at what the Utes can do, and that performance will likely set the tone for the rest of the year.

Some important areas to watch: Utah's defense showed progress from Week 1 to Week 2, but Michigan's running game will show whether Nate Orchard and company are truly stout on the ground. The secondary — which starts two corners who played different positions before the season — is still looking for a pick, and needs to contain Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner.

And Travis Wilson, the second-most efficient passer in the nation who threw five touchdowns in 11 completions against Fresno State, may face true pressure for the first time against a Michigan front that has been solid thus far. After an interception-prone 2013, he knows this game can prove he's making better decisions in the pocket.

Winning isn't just important for what it signifie. There's also the reality: The Utes know that 3-0 is a lot closer to a bowl game than 2-1.

"It's definitely really important," Wilson said. "Our ultimate goal is to get to a bowl game. Getting that third win is getting us another step closer." —

Utah at Michigan

O At Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Radio • ESPN 700

Records • Utah (2-0); UM (2-1)

Series history • Tied at 1-1

Last meeting • Aug. 30, 2008 at UM; Utah 25, UM 23

About the Utes • Utah has scored 115 points in its first two games, making it the No. 3 scoring offense in the country. … Junior Tom Hackett is ranked No. 1 nationally in punt average, with a 51.1 yard per punt mark.

About the Wolverines • Brady Hoke was formerly a coach at San Diego State, where he went 0-2 against the Kyle Whittingham-coached Utes. … Michigan is the No. 7-ranked defense by total yardage in the country.