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Michigan Wolverines vs Utah Utes preview, predictions, betting odds and live stream info

By Cody Williams

Apr 4, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh is seen during the Spring football game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh is seen during the Spring football game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan Wolverines vs. Utah Utes

The Michigan Wolverines will take on the Utah Utes in Jim Harbaugh’s return to college football as the head coach of the Big Blue. Harbaugh will be looking to take Jake Rudock and company to a 1-0 start by overtaking at Utes team lead by Heisman hopeful running back Devontae Booker and a talented duo of quarterbacks in Travis Wilson and Kendal Thompson.

Details for Thursday’s game are below:

Date: Thursday, Sep. 3
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Stadium: Rice-Eccles Stadium
TV Info: Fox Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Radio: Here
Ticket information: For Michigan Wolverines ticket info click here. For Utah Utes ticket info click here.

Keys to Victory

Harbaugh’s Wolverines come into this game with a different feel than previous Michigan teams, largely because of what Harbaugh brings. While many Michigan teams of recent years have shrunk early in the season, Harbaugh’s teams rarely are unequipped to handle the spotlight. That will certainly be vital for a Michigan team with an ongoing quarterback battle between Jake Ruddock and Shane Morris creating a less-than-stable offensive situation.

The Michigan defense should continue to be stout and they’ll need to be on top of their game to stop the Utes offense led by the running back Booker. Booker rushed for 1,512 yards and 10 scores last season for Utah as a junior and only looks to improve in his senior campaign. His play is key for the Utes’ offense as they have a quarterback competition of their own between Wilson and Thompson.

Both defenses project to be solid this season, thus making the offenses the likely deciding factor in this contest. Whichever offense can look better early and whichever team can get out to an early lead should ultimately have the edge.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Utah -4.5
Moneyline: Utah -205
O/U: 46

Prediction

Michigan comes into this game and the beginning of the 2015 season hoping that Harbaugh is the right man to turn things around. The question is whether or not that will be a quick, smooth transition or one with some bumps in the road. With the questions that they have on offense, the latter scenario seems somewhat more likely.

Though the Wolverines’ defense should be quality this season, the Utes have the firepower to put them to the test. Yes, stopping Booker is Michigan’s chief concern in this contest, but Wilson has been impressive this offseason and Thompson showed flashes last season of being a special talent. If the Wolverines defense doesn’t rise to the occasion, the Utes could put points up fast.

Letting Utah put points up fast is the last thing Michigan wants, though, If they’re going to be victorious, they have to make this one a low-scoring affair. Their offense isn’t constructed to play catch-up, especially this early in the season.

While all of these factors seem to point in Utah’s favor, the factor of Harbaugh can’t be discounted. Say what you will about Captain Khaki, but he know how to coach a football team. I see him playing to his strengths in this game and grinding a win out with a superb defensive effort from his Wolverines.

Final Score: Michigan Wolverines: 17, Utah Utes: 15

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