Michigan Football: Top five must-see Wolverines games for 2015

Sep 20, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Utah Utes running back Devontae Booker (23) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jake Ryan (47) in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

5. Michigan at Utah – Sepember 3rd

Michigan was handled easily a season ago by Utah in the first leg of a two-year home-and-home series. Utah won 26-10 and Michigan never really threatened over the course of the game. Fittingly the end of the game was delayed by lightning, just prolonging the misery of Michigan fans that afternoon.

Utah is no pushover, having gone 9-4 last year in the tough PAC-12. They also feature the 5-foot-11, 232 pound senior running back DeVontae Booker, who was held to 34 yards on 11 carries by the Michigan defense last year despite an excellent campaign where he finished with 1512 yards and 10 touchdowns on 292 carries.

However, there are reasons to believe that Michigan may fare better in this year’s season opening rematch.

First, there’s no way to say this nicely, Michigan’s offense was broken in 2014. They could not consistently move the ball against any competent defense and finished a staggering 115th in total offense out of the 128 eligible teams in the NCAA, averaging 333 yards per game, and finishing 111th in points scored with 20.9 points scored per game.

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No matter what the general belief is with regard to Michigan’s expectation for this coming season, it’s hard to imagine another effort like they put out on offense a year ago. A big part of that expected improvement is due to what should be a greatly improved rushing attack.

The Wolverines produced the 64th best running game in the nation in 2014, averaging 162.8 yards per game, and at no point did they really seem to have a focal point in the backfield. That should change this year with the addition of Ty Isaac. The 6-foot-3, 240 pound junior transfer from USC should carry the load and make things easier for Shane Morris (or whoever wins the quarterback battle).

In this matchup last year, the Wolverines actually outgained Utah 308 (even less than their per game average) to 286. The defense wasn’t the problem against Utah, rather the four turnovers the offense committed and the 83 yards they surrendered on two punt returns left the Utes with a short field that Michigan’s defense just couldn’t protect.

Ultimately, the key to avenging last season’s defeat will come down to what so many football games come down to. Run the ball effectively, protect the ball, and contain Utah’s special teams, and you have a great chance to turn last year’s L into this year’s W.

Next: BYU