This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah-Michigan has lost some of its marquee luster as the Wolverines have struggled so far in 2014, but the Utes are still expecting a tough test this Saturday. Coming off blow out victories over Idaho State and Fresno State, the Utes have looked sharp in all three phases of the game, but haven't been tested much. The team leads the nation in sacks and has one of the strongest special teams units in the nation, but Michigan can't be taken lightly at home. The Wolverines rebounded with a 35-10 win over Miami Ohio last week and have the potential to put up points on the ground and through the air with quarterback Devin Gardner. With that in mind, here's a position-by-position look at this week's matchup and which team will have the edge heading into Saturday's game:
Quarterback
Travis Wilson's injury scares are a distant memory as the Utes signal caller continues to pass and run his way to touchdown after touchdown. Through two weeks, Wilson is No. 2 in the nation is passing efficiency and commands a Utes offense that ranks 14th nationally in total offense. He has tossed six touchdowns to zero interceptions and added another on the ground with a leaping touchdown against Idaho State, accounting for nearly 500 yards of offense. His weapons have also looked good, with a host to choose from in Dres Anderson, Kenneth Scott, Westlee Tonga and Devontae Booker.
Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner has had a much less consistent season so far, tossing five touchdowns and for 546 yards in three games, but also surrendering four interceptions. Gardner was dominant against Appalachian State and Miami Ohio, passing for 357 yards and five touchdowns to only one interception. However, against a tougher defense in Notre Dame, Gardner's offense was shut out and he tossed three interceptions to zero touchdowns. The Utes will be far closer to Notre Dame than Appalachian State and should give him serious problems, especially with top receiver Devin Funchess likely out of the game with a knee injury.
Edge: Utah
Running Back
The Utes appear to have found a formidable one-two punch in the backfield between Bubba Poole and Devontae Booker. The duo has combined for three touchdowns and 241 yards rushing in two games, with differing styles for various situations. Booker has shown explosiveness and physicality that the Utes will need to grind clock on the road and should continue to be featured as the season wears on. Troy McCormick has fallen behind as the third back, but still offers an important change of pace ability, not to mention Wilson's rushing ability.
If there's one facet of the game Michigan can hang its hat on, it's the rushing game. The Wolverines have been dominant on the ground, rushing for an average of 242 yards per game and 726 total yards in three games. Sophomore Derrick Green is the feature back and will be a priority for the Utes defense to stop after rushing for 332 yards, 6.6 yards per carry and three touchdowns this season. Against Miami Ohio last week, Green had 137 yards and two of his touchdowns. As a change of pace back, sophomore De'Veon Smith has also been important, rushing for two touchdowns and 189 yards.
Edge: Michigan
Pass Catchers
Kenneth Scott is fully back from injury and looks to be Wilson's favorite target so far. The possession receiver has three touchdowns and 134 yards on 10 receptions, with speedster and deep threat Dres Anderson not far behind with 195 yardsand two touchdowns on seven receptions. Westlee Tonga also continues to be a safety blanket and big target for Wilson, catching six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown so far this season. If Anderson can take the top off the defense with a few long plays and if Scott and Tonga continue to be reliable targets, Wilson should be able to put up a bevy of points.
The aforementioned Funchess is a huge loss for the Wolverines after suffering a knee injury against Notre Dame. He was Gardner's primary target in week one against Appalachian State, catching seven passes for 95 yards and three touchdowns, and was expected to be one of the best returning receivers in the nation this season. In his stead are junior Dennis Norfleet, sophomore Jehu Chesson and sophomore Amara Darboh. Darboh looks to be the next best option after catching nine passes for 137 yards and a touchdown so far this season. Tight end Jake Butt is also an option after grabbing three passes for 59 yards and a touchdown against Miami Ohio.
Edge: Utah
Offensive Line:
Utah's offensive line has held up well so far this season, surrendering four total sacks with two coming in each of the first two games. The unit has plowed the way for 248 yards rushing per game and has kept Wilson upright as the passing game has averaged 310 yards per game. The real test will be if the line can stay cohesive and avoid false starts against a big and rowdy Michigan crowd.
Despite the shutout against Notre Dame, the Wolverines' offensive line has also played well. Gardner has only been brought down four times and has been instrumental in helping Michigan average 242 yards rushing per game. However, they are facing the nation's sack leaders on Saturday and could have their hands full with Utah's defensive line.
Edge: Even
Defensive Line and Linebackers
One man out and another one in. Tackles leader Jason Whittingham was lost, a big blow for the Utes defense, but Gionni Paul's return will be a big boost. Paul, if he can quickly shake off the rust, will take some pressure off Nate Orchard in the pass rush and can fill the void left by Whittingham. Nate Orchard will be moved around as both an outside linebacker and down lineman to continue his torrid pace of three tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks so far this season. The onus will also be on the defensive tackles to keep the Michigan running game in check.
Michigan's defense isn't as stout as past versions, but there are several guys still capable of altering a game. Senior defensive end Brennen Beyer leads the team with two sacks and two tackles for loss, while fellow seniors Jake Ryan and Frank Clark should be influential. Ryan is second on the team with 20 tackles and Clarj has two tackles for loss of his own. Still, the Utes should have a slight advantage.
Edge: Utah
Secondary
The Utes may catch a huge break if Funchess misses the game. He'd be a match up nightmare for virtually any one of the Utah cornerbacks. The Utes are holding opposing passers to a very respectable 220 yards passing per game, but the collective talent of Michigan will still be a big test for Utah. Eric Rowe will have to step up and Dominique Hatfield, only a few weeks removed from being primarily a receiver, will play a big role. The safeties will play a larger role in stopping the run and the secondary will also hope to force at least one interception from a turnover prone Gardner.
Michigan's secondary has been solid so far this season, holding opposing passers to only 5.6 yards per attempt and 172 yards per game. Sophomore defensive back Jourdan Lewis is the guy to watch and will likely shadow Anderson after grabbing one interception and breaking up two passes so far this season. Notre Dame was able to pass for three touchdowns on this secondary and Wilson should be able to be similarly productive on Saturday.
Edge: Even
Prediction: Michigan will be rabid for a quality win after starting off the season slowly, but the overall talent of the Utes will be the difference here. If the Utes can score early, make plays on special teams and hold up against the Michigan rushing attack, they should be able to outpace the Wolverines. Utah will walk away with a hard fought 27-17 victory.