Connecticut
1st Big East8-4
Michigan
7th Big Ten7-5
Connecticut @ Michigan preview
Michigan Stadium
Casual college football fans might be surprised to see that Connecticut is a hotter program than tradition-rich Michigan.
The Wolverines are a slight favorite to win when the two teams square off in the season opener Saturday (3:30 p.m.; ABC) at Michigan Stadium, but it’s the Huskies who have the better recent resume.
UConn received 40 votes (33rd overall) in the first ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll of the season. Michigan, who had a school-record nine losses two seasons ago, drew no votes.
The Huskies went 8-5 in 2009 (fourth in the Big East) and won their final four games, including a 20-7 decision over South Carolina in the Papajohns.com Bowl. Michigan went 5-7 (10th in the Big Ten), lost its final five games, and is still searching for the right fit at quarterback.
The Wolverines will open newly renovated Michigan Stadium Saturday with a crowd of 112,000 expected, but most eyes will be focused on the field and on head coach Rich Rodriguez, who sits firmly on the hot seat after two losing seasons and an NCAA investigation into violations for excessive practice time.
Michigan has 15 starters returning, but Rodriguez is still struggling with picking who can best run the spread offense that he ran with such great success at West Virginia. The coach said this week that it will be a game-time decision between sophomores Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson, both of whom played last year, and freshman Devin Gardner.
Forcier, the better passer, started all 12 games last year, throwing for 2,050 yards and 13 touchdowns. Robinson was a one-dimensional running threat, as his 351 rushing yards and five touchdowns will attest. Gardner, who enrolled at Michigan in January, was rated the No. 1 QB prospect in the nation by Rivals.com.
Until the Wolverines find a rhythm – and a leader – they will have to rely on an offensive line that is considered to be a team strength, with the return of guard Stephen Schilling and center David Molk, who returns after missing all of 2009 with an injury. The defense has eight starters back, including two linemen and two linebackers from its 3-4 base, but cornerback Troy Woolfolk (ankle, leg) will miss whole season.
Michigan expects to play as many as 10 freshmen, including hybrid linebacker/safety Carvin Johnson, who is expected to start. Defensive end Jibreel Black should see a lot of time, and Stephen Hopkins is expected to get some carries as Michigan sorts out a running back situation that still has questions.
UConn has a bit more comfort in its offensive skill personnel. Zach Frazer, a former transfer from Notre Dame, returns at quarterback, as is 1,000-yard rusher Jordan Todman at tailback.
The Wolverines are a slight favorite to win when the two teams square off in the season opener Saturday (3:30 p.m.; ABC) at Michigan Stadium, but it’s the Huskies who have the better recent resume.
UConn received 40 votes (33rd overall) in the first ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll of the season. Michigan, who had a school-record nine losses two seasons ago, drew no votes.
The Huskies went 8-5 in 2009 (fourth in the Big East) and won their final four games, including a 20-7 decision over South Carolina in the Papajohns.com Bowl. Michigan went 5-7 (10th in the Big Ten), lost its final five games, and is still searching for the right fit at quarterback.
The Wolverines will open newly renovated Michigan Stadium Saturday with a crowd of 112,000 expected, but most eyes will be focused on the field and on head coach Rich Rodriguez, who sits firmly on the hot seat after two losing seasons and an NCAA investigation into violations for excessive practice time.
Michigan has 15 starters returning, but Rodriguez is still struggling with picking who can best run the spread offense that he ran with such great success at West Virginia. The coach said this week that it will be a game-time decision between sophomores Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson, both of whom played last year, and freshman Devin Gardner.
Forcier, the better passer, started all 12 games last year, throwing for 2,050 yards and 13 touchdowns. Robinson was a one-dimensional running threat, as his 351 rushing yards and five touchdowns will attest. Gardner, who enrolled at Michigan in January, was rated the No. 1 QB prospect in the nation by Rivals.com.
Until the Wolverines find a rhythm – and a leader – they will have to rely on an offensive line that is considered to be a team strength, with the return of guard Stephen Schilling and center David Molk, who returns after missing all of 2009 with an injury. The defense has eight starters back, including two linemen and two linebackers from its 3-4 base, but cornerback Troy Woolfolk (ankle, leg) will miss whole season.
Michigan expects to play as many as 10 freshmen, including hybrid linebacker/safety Carvin Johnson, who is expected to start. Defensive end Jibreel Black should see a lot of time, and Stephen Hopkins is expected to get some carries as Michigan sorts out a running back situation that still has questions.
UConn has a bit more comfort in its offensive skill personnel. Zach Frazer, a former transfer from Notre Dame, returns at quarterback, as is 1,000-yard rusher Jordan Todman at tailback.