Michigan Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Wisconsin in Week 4

2. Donovan Peoples-Jones plays, and scores

Donovan Peoples-Jones is Michigan’s most explosive and proven talent on offense but has been unable to suit up yet this season. Earlier this week, Jim Harbaugh stated he was uncertain whether Peoples-Jones would play Saturday leaving the door open for a potential return. Of course, this is an optimistic stance to take.

There are two reasons I think Peoples-Jones could play this weekend. The first is tangible. Peoples-Jones was spotted on the sidelines against Army without a walking boot, which is always a great sign. The second reason is more theoretical. That game against Army was two weeks ago, and Michigan didn’t play last week.

It’s very possible that this game against Wisconsin was always that target return date for Peoples-Jones. After being without a boot and having no game prep to be part of, it’s possible his rehab could have taken its final step over the last 14 days.

People-Jones isn’t just Michigan’s best receiver either. He’s also a dangerous punt return man who has found the end zone each of the last two seasons on punt return duties. If he plays there are multiple ways he can find the end zone and Michigan is going to need him to be a threat.

One of the things I despise most in sports is when an athlete returning from an injury plays minimal snaps. To me, that signals that he isn’t back to 100 percent. And in that case, he shouldn’t be playing at all. I’ll assume Jim Harbaugh thinks along the same lines as I do and has already gotten Peoples-Jones back up to speed so he can be his normal self on Saturday and play his usual role.