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Michigan vs. UMass preview

University of Massachusetts Minutemen will come to Ann Arbor 0-2 this season.

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Published September 14, 2012 • 5 comments

Drake Johnson, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Brandin Hawthorne at Michigan vs. Air Force game. (Tommy Alexander / MJ)

BY CHRIS ZADOROZNY, Sports Editor
Follow @Zads07

Last week, the Michigan Wolverines were preparing to face a tough Air Force offense. The defensive side of the ball for the Wolverines that day wasn’t great, but it was enough to win against the option offense led by Connor Dietz.

MORE: Michigan barely glides over Air Force in home opener

Prediction: Michigan 56 – UMass 12.

This week will be a much easier task for captain Jordan Kovacs and the Michigan defense. The University of Massachusetts Minutemen will come to Ann Arbor with two losses already this season. Their transfer from the FCS (Football Championship Series), to the FBS (Football Bowl Series) has been shaky. They have lost to Connecticut and Indiana by a combined score of 82-6. Both of those teams are near the end of the spectrum in their conferences.

According to the spread, the Wolverines are favored by 45 points. Yes, 45 points. Head coach Brady Hoke wasn’t too pleased with that spread. He was on the Stoney and Bill Show on 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT-FM) and said, “That’s ridiculous. All you’ve got to do is go back two years, and it was 42-37 here in Ann Arbor.” Hoke was referencing the last time UMASS visited The Big House, the last year Rich Rodriguez was the head coach.

Denard Robinson had a spectacular game last weekend, much better than his season debut. If you are heading to Ann Arbor to watch Denard tear up UMASS, expect a show because the UMASS defense has given up a lot of points against worse teams.

Fitzgerald Toussaint didn’t really get started, as Hoke said last week against Air Force. This will be a game in which all players will be able to get into the game, get some touches or receptions and feel comfortable in the college game.

The Michigan defense should be able to contain this offense. They have only scored a field goal in two games. The defense will be able to regroup after a fast-paced game last week.

This game should be relatively easy for the Wolverines and if we don’t see a touchdown from UMASS, don’t be surprised. This game will be a blowout, a huge Michigan win. It won’t be a great tune-up for the game against Notre Dame the following weekend, but it will provide some experience for many of the players trying to get into the groove of the game.

Go Blue!