Central Michigan @ Michigan preview
Michigan Stadium
Last Meeting ( Sep 9, 2006 ) Central Michigan 17, Michigan 41
Junior quarterback Devin Gardner has taken the reins of the Michigan offense and will lead the 17th-ranked Wolverines against visiting Central Michigan on Saturday. After the converted wide receiver replaced an injured Denard Robinson midway through last season, he threw for 1,480 yards and 13 touchdowns and was intercepted six times in five games. Now he’s back to try to lead the Wolverines to their first Big Ten title since 2004, when they shared the crown with Iowa.
Central Michigan will lean on senior running back Zurlon Tipton in attempting to defeat its in-state rival for the first time. Tipton rushed for 1,492 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. Junior quarterback Cody Kater, who will make his first start for the Chippewas, has career passing totals of 2-for-4 for 12 yards.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Michigan -31.5
ABOUT MICHIGAN (2012: 8-5, 6-2 Big Ten): Michigan returns 12 starters, including wide receiver Jeremy Gallon, tight end Devin Funchess and All-American left tackle Taylor Lewan. However, the Wolverines will be without starting receiver Amara Darboh, who is out for the year with a foot injury, and all-conference punter Will Hagerup, who was suspended for the year due to disciplinary reasons. But for Gardner and Michigan, this game will serve as a tune-up before taking on No. 14 Notre Dame in Week 2.
ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN (2012: 7-6, 4-4 Mid-American): Though inexperienced, Kater is a capable passer and runner. He replaces Ryan Radcliff, who led the Chippewas to a bowl game last season. Courtney Williams and Andrew Flory are expected to be the two biggest threats on the outside this season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Michigan is 3-0 all-time against Central Michigan, most recently winning in 2006.
2. The Wolverines ranked 20th in the nation in scoring defense last year, allowing 19.8 points per game.
3. The Chippewas finished last season on a four-game winning streak, including a win over Western Kentucky in the Little Caesars Bowl.
PREDICTION: Michigan 45, Central
Michigan 24