Michigan is coming off a season where the Wolverines defied expectations en route to a Big Ten Title, and a College Football Playoff Berth. Mimicking the same success will be a challenge for any team. Expectations might not be as high as they should be for Michigan around the country as the AP Poll ranks them at eight. However, the buzz around Michigan is that they can repeat their 2021 success, and then some. Nevertheless, it all starts with Michigan versus Colorado State Week 1.
Here is a preview for the Wolverines’ home opener versus the Rams.
Will Michigan stick to the running game or test their quarterback?
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has lost a lot of key players to the NFL. However, the rushing attack is still one of the best in the country featuring arguably the best running back room in the country.
Heading into their home opener, Michigan will be looking to see the capabilities of starting quarterback Cade McNamara. Harbaugh is leading an unprecedented quarterback competition that is heading into the beginning of the 2022 season. McNamara will start Week 1, and JJ McCarthy will start Week 2 versus Hawaii. Therefore, Michigan’s matchup versus Colorado State has a little more on the line for the starting quarterback.
However, despite the quarterback battle, the rushing attack will be key for the Wolverines in this matchup. Colorado State lacks in the trenches, and in 2021, the Rams’ defense was one of the worst in the Mountain West.
The rushing attack should be the focal point of the game. Michigan used their dominating rushing attack to defeat their opponents including Ohio State in 2021, and heading into the 2022 season, Michigan will have to rely on the ground game again to find the same amount of success.
However, it is yet to be seen if Harbaugh will stick to the running game or test his “QB1” Week 1.
Can Colorado State’s air raid offense find any success versus Michigan’s defense?
Colorado State has one of the best receiving rooms in the Mountain West. They are looking to improve on an offense that barely averaged 23 points a game and struggled in their conference. With a new quarterback and new head coach, Colorado State is entering a new hopeful era, but the era might not start off on the best note.
Colorado State’s offensive line is a huge question mark. Even with the addition of transfers along the interior, the line is a weakness for the team. Furthermore, playing a defense like Michigan’s is not the best way to get the offensive line some momentum.
Despite losing two first-round talents to the NFL draft, Michigan’s defensive line should be able to gain momentum versus Colorado State’s front, and the defense as a whole should rank as one of the best in the country.
What does this game mean for both teams?
A lot has been made of Michigan’s easy schedule at the start of the season. It seems to be so easy that Harbaugh is openly naming two starters for two separate weeks, and extending a quarterback competition into the season.
However, in the sport of college football, coming out flat could easily hurt a team. Michigan faces tough conference opponents throughout the season, and getting the right start at the beginning of the season will be crucial.
For Colorado State, playing a team that made the playoffs is not exactly the start they might have wanted with a new regime. However, momentum and lessons can be found throughout the entire game.
Nothing is impossible, especially in the game of college football, but being a 30-point underdog is a tough place to find a way to win the football game.
Nevertheless, Week 1 kicks off on Saturday with Michigan hosting Colorado State