This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Two weeks out from their next game, against an opponent that had just been lashed 31-0, Utah could have been forgiven for getting a little cocky.
But asked about Michigan's big loss to Notre Dame two days before, Utes quarterback Travis Wilson declined to start talking trash.
"Michigan is going to be a different team when we face them," he said "They're going to bring their A game and we've got to be ready for that."
Whether Michigan is significantly better that it was a week ago is still a question, but the Wolverines at least won on Saturday. And in the 34-10 victory over Miami of Ohio, they showed a few of their strengths.
Here is a running game that shredded the Redhawks defense for 276 yards. Although the offensive line has been met with some skepticism from fans, 220-pound back Derrick Green found enough room to slice for 137 yards with two touchdowns.
Here is a defense that allowed only eight first downs and 33 rushing yards. As Utah running back Bubba Poole forecasted, the Michigan defensive line showed strength coming back from a game in which it struggled at times.
It's true that Michigan's success came against a team that has the longest active losing streak in FBS football, a chain that has now reached 19 games and stretches back to 2012. It's also true that Michigan's success was flawed, with the Wolverines surrendering three turnovers and only holding a seven-point lead until late in the third quarter: It wasn't the total beatdown that fans packing the Big House would've hoped for.
Furthermore, the Utes don't know whether 6-foot-5 receiver Devin Funchess, who had a strong rapport last season with quarterback Devin Gardner, will be available to play next week. He didn't suit up on Saturday, and his presence in the game could have a great affect on Michigan's ability to sting Utah through the air.
But even with some uncertainties lingering, the Utes have the benefit of extra time to prepare. If the season has been any indication, that's a valuable thing.
With a full offseason of preparation, the Utah beat up on Idaho State at home. With nine days, the Utes rolled over Fresno State.
The Utes have not been strong on the road recently, going 2-9 in the past two seasons with wins against BYU and Colorado. The last time the Utes beat a nonconference Power 5 opponent on the road was in 2011 against Pitt, undoubtedly one reason Michigan opened as a seven-point favorite in the upcoming game.
With two weeks' time, the hope is that Utah will be able to march into the Big House, which features the highest capacity crowd in all of college football, and top the Wolverines on their home field.
"It's another week to prepare, another week to study," Whittingham said at a practice last week. "It's a good thing for us."
Twitter: @kylegoon —
Utah at Michigan
P Saturday, 1:30 p.m. MDT
TV • Ch. 4 or ESPN2