Michigan vs. Colorado Prediction, Game Preview


Michigan vs. Colorado prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins between the Wolverines and Buffaloes.


Michigan vs. Colorado Game Preview

When: Saturday, September 17 – 3:30 p.m. ET

Where:
Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Mich.

TV Broadcast:
Big Ten Network

The last time these two teams met, Tom Brady was a sophomore bench-warmer who came in and completed both of his pass attempts during Michigan’s 27-3 rout of Colorado, and current Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh was playing out his NFL career in Indianapolis with the Colts. Much has changed.

Colorado entered that meeting at The Big House ranked No. 8, a standing eons ago. The Buffaloes, off to their first 2-0 start since 2013, haven’t had a winning season since 2005. They are trying to make a name for themselves in the Pac-12, and upsetting Michigan would be a major statement.

What To Know About Michigan

The Wolverines haven’t played the best competition, but they’re getting it done on both sides of the ball. They outscored Hawaii and Central Florida 114-17, putting both games away by halftime. Wilton Speight has answered the bell since Harbaugh named him the starter, going 35 of 50 with seven touchdowns over the two blowouts. Harbaugh downplayed concern over a running game that had only 119 yards on 41 carries against UCF. Michigan also allowed the Knights to run for 275 yards.

What to Know About Colorado

The Buffaloes have been pretty good offensively, too. After crushing Colorado State, 44-7, they ran up 597 total yards and scored 35 points in the second quarter of last week’s 56-7 romp over FCS foe Idaho State. Sefo Liufau has been the main reason for that production. He has 522 yards through the air and another 120 on the ground and seems fully recovered from a foot injury that didn’t allow him to participate in spring ball. Also, watch out for the Colorado defense that’s forced five turnovers while giving up just 321 total yards over the first two games.

Advantages

Offense: Michigan – Colorado’s offense has been good, but Speight has led a unit that simply has more weapons.

Defense: Michigan – The Buffaloes don’t have Jabrill Peppers.

Special Teams: MIchigan – Again, the Buffaloes don’t have Jabrill Peppers.

Coaching: Michigan – Mike MacIntyre needs a good season after going 10-27 in his first three years at Colorado.

Intangibles: Michigan – Colorado might be on the rise, but it simply doesn’t have the overall talent on either side of the ball to keep up.

Matchup To Watch

Liufau vs. Peppers

Liufau has shown his dual-threat capabilities by moving well out of the pocket. Peppers will have his eyes on him the whole time whether he’s passing or running. Oh, and Peppers is pretty angry, too.

Michigan vs. Colorado Betting Odds

Spread: Michigan -20 1/2

Over/Under:
N/A

Michigan vs. Colorado Prediction

The Buffaloes hang tight for a quarter and a half, the Speight and the rest of the Wolverines’ offense kicks it into gear and runs away with an easy win.

Michigan vs. Colorado Score Prediction: Michigan 42, Colorado 20

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