Written By: Case Conley
Week 2 was madness across the country with upsets everywhere. This week some questions were answered for Michigan, Notre Dame needs to bounce back, and Michigan State has their first big test of the year.
Michigan vs Connecticut
Michigan continues at home as they take on UConn. Game time is at 12pm on ABC and the Wolverines are 47.5-point favorites. The Huskies are 1-2 coming off a 48-14 defeat at home to Syracuse. New coach Jim Mora has a tough task ahead of him taking over a team that was 1-11 last year. True freshman quarterback Zion Turner has shown some flashes of potential, however the lack of playmakers has this offense struggling to make big plays. Defensively, the Huskies will struggle to even contain the Michigan rushing attack. JJ McCarthy makes the start as QB1 for Wolverines and he should be able to continue his great play against a woeful UConn.
Michigan State at Washington
The Spartans have their first big test as they travel to Seattle to take on unbeaten Washington. The game will be the 7:30 primetime game on ABC and the Huskies are 3.5-point favorites at home. Washington defeated Kent State week 1 45-10 and FCS Portland State 52-6 last Saturday. Led by Indiana transfer Michael Penix Jr., first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer has a big vision for this team. The offense has a dynamic passing attack with Penix throwing for over 335 yards in both games. Jalen McMillan and Rome Odunze are his favorite targets on the outside and Michigan transfer Giles Jackson can be a playmaker in the slot and in the return game. Defensively, the Huskies lost 2 corners to the NFL and the secondary is the glaring weakness. The Spartans must expose the cornerbacks if they want to win this game. If Jayden Reed can’t go that will be a huge hit on the offense and guys like Keon Coleman and Tre Mosley will have to step up.
Notre Dame vs California
Notre Dame is desperate for a win after the upset loss to Marshall and California comes into South Bend on Saturday afternoon. Cal is 2-0 after wins against UC Davis and UNLV yet are 11 point underdogs against the Irish. Purdue transfer Jack Plummer takes the reigns at quarterback and freshman Jaydn Ott has provided a solid rushing attack for the Golden Bears. The defense has been solid, but will need to force more turnovers against an Irish offense who had 3 last game. Drew Pyne will make his first start of the year and will hopefully energize a struggling offense. Michael Mayer has been a lone bright spot and will be Pyne’s number one target. Marcus Freeman needs to find a way to get Notre Dame their first win of the season.
Written By: Case Conley – Michigan Sports Network Intern
Photo Courtesy of: SBNation.com
