Connecticut Huskies at Michigan Wolverines, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
Saturday, September 3, 2010, 3:30 pm EST, TV: ABC or ESPN2 (check local listings)
Opening Line: Michigan -2 1/2
Current Line: Michigan -3
Opening total: 54
Current total: 52.5
Current Money Line: Mich -150/UConn +130
All odds taken from Bookmaker Sportsbook
Coach Rich Rodriguez finds his seat not just hot but blistering at Michigan this season as they open at home against a talented Connecticut team. After two straight losing seasons, the alumni, boosters, and fans are calling for his head. A loss to start the season will only increase the pressure on Rodriguez. It is not an understatement to say this game is crucial for the Wolverines as they travel to Notre Dame next week. It is not out of the question that Michigan could start off 0-2 if they lose to the Huskies. The Wolverines will employ a 3 headed quarterback monster led by Tate Forcier, Denard Robinson, and freshman Devin Gardner. As the saying goes if you use two quarterbacks, much less three, you don’t have one. Don’t the Wolverines wish Heisman trophy candidate Ryan Mallett hadn’t transferred to Arkansas, a few seasons ago? The strength of this team on offense will be the running game, which last year averaged 186 yards a game. There is a two way battle between Michael Shaw and Vincent Smith to be the starter but both are expected to have a lot of playing time this season. Shaw was just declared academically eligible this week and missed most of the fall practice. The offensive line is talented led by Center David Wolk who is on the pre-season watch lists for All-America and post-season awards. Roy Roundtree leads the receivers, but this team will only go as far as the running game will take them. The defense was mediocre at best last season ranking 77th in the country last season and giving up almost 28 points a game. It must improve, but they lost 4 of their best players. All indications are that the defense will continue to struggle as Rodriguez is a better recruiter on offense than he is on defense.
The UConn Huskies come to Michigan with sky high expectations. Coach Randy Edsell thinks the Huskies can compete for the conference title in the Big East, and he isn’t alone. The schedule is favorable for a 9 or 10 win season, but first things first. The Huskies must go into the Big House and win, a tall order. The offense is led by senior quarterback Zack Frazer and two talented tailbacks, Jordan Todman and USC transfer D.J. Shoemate. Kashif Moore will be the top wideout replacing talented Marcus Easley. The defense is expected to be solid led by linebackers Greg Lloyd and Scott Lutrus. The Huskies won their last five games of the season last year including a bowl victory against South Carolina. They hope the momentum carries over to this season.
As mentioned, Michigan Stadium is a tough place to play as you have over 100,000 rabid Wolverine fans screaming at the top of their lungs for 3 hours. But if the Huskies can get an early lead, it might quiet the crowd somewhat. Weather will not a be a factor as it is supposed to be in the low 60’s with a 10 % chance of rain. But if the Wolverines lose there is a 100 % chance of Rich Rodriguez being roasted by the media and fans in Michigan.
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