Michigan-Oregon scouting report and prediction
Matchup: Michigan 0-1; Oregon 1-0.
Kickoff: 3:30, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor
TV/radio: ABC (Channel 7 in Detroit); WOMC-FM (104.3), CKLW-AM (800), WTKA-AM (1050).
Line: Michigan by 7.
Injuries: Michigan -- RB Mike Hart (thigh), NT Terrance Taylor (knee), LB Jonas Mouton (undisclosed), probable; RG Jeremy Ciulla undisclosed), RB Carlos Brown (hand), RG Alex Mitchell (right knee), questionable; RB Kevin Grady (knee), out. Oregon -- None reported.
MARK SNYDER'S SCOUTING REPORT
When Michigan has the ball: The Wolverines began the Appalachian State game exactly how they wanted, mixing the run and pass, using Mike Hart's unique abilities to keep the drives moving. But with Mike Hart coming off a thigh bruise, they may not want to overwork him early, especially if Brandon Minor can give solid carries -- and hold onto the ball.
The problem last week was what coach Lloyd Carr called inexcusable penalties, the type that occur outside the live action.
Michigan did not open up the deep passing game last week and may not this week, either, seizing instead on Oregon's porous rush defense (315 rushing yards for Houston last week). That also might help keep the ball away from Oregon's offense, which produced 48 points last week.
Michigan's passing game had only 233 yards (just 187 before the Hail Mary to Mario Manningham) and one touchdown last week, but this is not the team against whom the Wolverines should start throwing the ball. Junior rover/safety Patrick Chung was a Pac-10 honorable mention pick last year as were sophomores Jairus Byrd and Walter Thurmond III.
Oregon's defense allowed 545 yards last week to Houston and there's little reason Michigan can't move the ball. But ...
When Oregon has the ball: The Ducks' spread option will likely contain more option, according to Carr's comments earlier this week, and QB Dennis Dixon remains the primary target. Michigan's fear is that the rest of Oregon's playmakers will get even more involved. With two dynamic running backs in Jonathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson, they can platoon and still have energy as the game wears on.
On the outside, receiver Jaison Williams is an All-Pac-10 candidate. After one game, new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's aggressive offense has paid dividends and will be a good challenge for the Wolverines' defense.
Will defensive end Brandon Graham enter the starting lineup? Will last week's second-half improvements (safety Brandent Englemon and cornerback Donovan Warren) be as effective? Can the middle prevent Dixon from slashing for big gains? And will the Wolverines return to the physical defense of early last season?
Prediction: Michigan 40, Oregon 35.
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