Western Michigan @ Michigan preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 5, 2009 ) Western Michigan 7, Michigan 31

THE STORY: Michigan tries to put the Rich Rodriguez era in the rear-view mirror and return to nationwide relevance as it begins the season against Western Michigan. New coach Brady Hoke takes control of a team that set school records for both yards per game and yards allowed per game last season. Western Michigan brings the preeminent passing attack from the MAC last season into Ann Arbor, looking to beat a Big Ten squad for just the fifth time in school history.

TV: ABC. Line: Michigan -14

ABOUT MICHIGAN (2010: 7-6, 3-5 Big 10): Denard Robinson finished sixth in the Heisman voting in 2010, but questions remain as to whether he can be as effective working from under center in Hoke’s pro-style offense. Seven starters return on a defense that was statistically the worst in the history of the program. Optimism remains that improvement can be achieved simply through more experience and a new defensive coordinator.

ABOUT WESTERN MICHIGAN (2010: 6-6, 5-3 MAC): Coach Bill Cubit returns most of the skill players from an offense that led the MAC in passing last season. Star quarterback Alex Carder threw 30 touchdowns, 10 of which went to senior wideout Jordan White. Cornerback Lewis Toller picked off five passes during his redshirt freshman season, and will be counted on for production with the lack of depth behind him.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Western Michigan won its final three games last season by a combined score of 114-40.

2. Michigan’s seven victories last season were by a combined 93 points. Its six losses were by a combined 125 points.

3. Michigan converted only 4-of-14 field goal attempts last season, with a long of 37 yards.

PREDICTION: Michigan 45, Western Michigan 35 -- New defensive coordinator Greg Mattison will eventually improve the Wolverines' defense, but it won’t happen overnight. That being said, the Broncos won’t face another quarterback of Robinson’s caliber the rest of the season.