Michigan Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Cincinnati

Michigan football will take on Cincinnati in an interesting Week 2 matchup, but what will take place in Ann Arbor?

It may not be the most high-profile game of a loaded Week 2 slate, but Cincinnati’s visit to Michigan is an intriguing noon matchup with several storylines to keep an eye on for both sides.

The Bearcats started the Luke Fickell era with a remarkably unconvincing win over FCS cellar-dweller Austin Peay, while Michigan overcame a sloppy performance in their debut, topping Florida despite surrendering two first-half pick-sixes.

Both teams will be looking to clean things up this weekend, though it won’t be easy for Cincy– they’re currently listed as 34.5-point underdogs.

Here are three bold predictions for the 2017 home opener in the Big House.

3. Michigan breaks the century mark — twice

Not in points, but in rushing yards. Faced with a more-than-capable Florida front-seven last week, the Wolverines managed 215 rushing yards (compared to just 11 for UF, but that’s neither here nor there). They’ll find less resistance from a Bearcats defense that hasn’t quite found its footing under Fickell yet.

Expect a 100-yard rushing day from not only stocky senior Ty Isaac, who totaled 114 against the Gators, but also sophomore Chris Evans, as Jim Harbaugh spreads the wealth around in the second half. Looking for a dark-horse to gobble up some yards? Karan Higdon was the only Wolverine rusher to find the end zone last week, and he’ll be in line for a handful of carries as well.

As for Cincy? Well, they managed just 97 rushing yards against Austin Peay. They’ll be in for quite the challenge.