San Diego State @ Michigan preview

THE STORY: Michigan head coach Brady Hoke will take on his former team just a year after leaving for what he called his “dream job.” When Hoke took over at San Diego State prior to the 2009 season, he inherited a program that was coming off a 2-10 season. Hoke guided the Aztecs to a 4-8 record in 2009 before going 9-4 and winning the Poinsettia Bowl in 2010. His 21st-ranked Wolverines are off to a promising 3-0 start, which includes a 35-31 victory over Notre Dame. The only previous meeting between these two schools was in 2004, a 24-21 Michigan win.

TV: Big Ten Network. Line: Michigan -10.5.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE (3-0): The Aztecs are off to their first 3-0 start since 1981. That was in danger last week when San Diego State trailed Washington State 24-14 in the third quarter, but running back Ronnie Hillman and wide receiver Gavin Escobar each scored two second-half touchdowns in what turned into a 42-24 blowout. Hillman finished with 191 rushing yards and four touchdowns, and the sophomore ranks second in the nation — just ahead of Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson — with 166 rushing yards per game. Hillman is also tied for the national lead with eight rushing touchdowns.

ABOUT MICHIGAN (3-0): Michigan reappeared in the polls for the first time since October after defeating Eastern Michigan 31-3 on Saturday. The Wolverines were again led by Robinson, who rushed for 198 yards and a touchdown and also had two passing touchdowns. Michigan had 376 of its 471 total yards on the ground en route to its third straight 3-0 start. Michigan has won 12 straight September games and is 2-1 against teams from the Mountain West.

EXTRA POINTS
1. Michigan has won its last 11 regular-season games against non-conference opponents, with its last loss coming against Toledo in 2008.

2. Active coaches who face their former team in their first season at a new school are 3-2.

3. San Diego State has scored 21 or more points in 17 straight games.

PREDICTION: Michigan 30, San Diego State 28 - Hoke will deliver a big victory for the Wolverines, but it won’t come easy, as the Aztecs will be out to prove something to their former coach.