There Is Nothing Quite Like Rivalry Week

Whether in Ann Arbor or Columbus, tensions always run high prior to the Ohio State-Michigan game. (Guardian Liberty Voice)

One of the beautiful things about college football is that it's national yet regional at the same time.

Fans love following the bowl games and the chase for the national title, but inside all of that is the rabid passion of fans who love their teams. No better example of that is on display than this weekend, when most of the really important rivalry games take place.

There's The Egg Bowl. The Apple Cup. The Iron Bowl. The Battle Line Rivalry. The Civil War. The Iron Bowl. The Game. The Palmetto Bowl. The Old Oaken Bucket. Clean, Old Fashioned Hate. The Commonwealth Cup. And on and on and on.

Most of the games feature teams within the same state, so battle lines are drawn either. You're either Auburn or Alabama. Virginia or Virginia Tech. Washington or Washington State. Mississippi or Mississippi State. Clemson or South Carolina.

Sometimes you are next door neighbors -- Ohio State and Michigan. Missouri and Arkansas.

You need not have attended any of the schools, just gained a rooting interest in some fashion. You hate anything to do with the "other team", and sometimes won't even say its name. You laugh in condescension whenever a series becomes one-sided, or feign pity and tell them "you'll get one soon." Then you walk away laughing, maniacally.

Some of us have grown up with it -- Ohio State in my case. While I am not one of those who won't say the word "Michigan," I do loathe (yet respect) the Maize and Blue. I grew to like Bo Schembechler after he left the rivalry, and felt the sting of the John Cooper years and the rebirth of the Jim Tressel years. With Urban Meyer it's been more of the same, and it never really gets old. Do I feel sorry that Michigan has been spinning its wheels for the better part of the last 15 years or so? Of course not. I am from the school that says you can never beat your rival by enough points. So, were I of age, I would have loved Woody Hayes going for two, leading 48-14 in the fourth quarter, in 1968 "because they wouldn't let us go for three."

I have seen enough dream seasons wrecked -- most of the 90s come to mind -- that each OSU victory brings just a bit more joy. And with Jim Harbaugh and his antics, it's even sweeter. I respected Lloyd Carr, even though he whined a lot, because he seemed like a good man and a pretty good coach. I laughed at Brady Hoke, and am currently laughing at Harbaugh and his act, which has to be wearing thin in Ann Arbor, right?

There will come a day -- maybe Saturday -- where Michigan gets a victory and invigorates the rivalry once again. But right now, most Ohio State fans feel the way Michigan fans felt when Cooper was driving the Buckeyes train. But, unlike their northern neighbors, Buckeyes fans will never lie about who their biggest rival is.

As many thrillers as I have witnessed -- in person and on television -- it never loses appeal. The old traditions, superstitions, whatever you want to call them, they take place all week.

It may sound arrogant -- and I won't take shame in that -- in calling this the best rivalry in all of college football, but that points to the regionalism in the sport.

Sensing a pattern here? (Sidez.net)

In the South, nothing holds a candle to the Iron Bowl. Those two HATE each other, and with so much on the line this year you can bet things will be at a fever pitch in Jordan-Hare. I would love to witness this one live, as an outsider, with zero rooting interest. Bo and Bear, Cam and Calvin, all of the big moments. Yeah, it would certainly be something to see.

The Southwest has the Red River Rivalry, one of the few really good ones not played at the end of the season. Knowing quite a few Texas fans, I can tell you that it bothers them more to lose to Oklahoma than does the fact that they are having a .500 season.

It may not get the publicity of the other, but the Apple Cup has always struck me as a cool rivalry. Almost 300 miles separate the teams, yet each fan base loves nothing more than sticking it to the other. I remember Mark Rypien leading the Cougars to victory in 1985 on a frigid day, as well as Mike Leach's first game as coach of WSU, a 31-28 overtime victory after a huge comeback. I also remember watching in 2003, when Washington -- a team I admired due to Don James' presence on the sidelines -- was bad, yet somehow managed to knock off a top 10 WSU team behind the arm of Cody Pickett.

Whether your team is fighting for a spot in the playoff, or having a down year, ending the regular season with a win over your hated foe makes everything better. It can take the sting out of a so-so campaign, especially when you know that they will be stewing about if for 365 days.

And that once-a-year thing, another reason why college football is so much better than the professional variety.

Sure, there are some big-time rivalries in the NFL -- Oakland-Kansas City, Pittsburgh-Cleveland, Dallas-Washington -- but they play twice. So how special can it really be?

You get one shot per season at your rival in college ball, and the build up to the contest is half of the fun.The only bad thing about it? It means the season is nearing its end.

Every fan base believes their rivalry is the best, which is noble. Wrong, but noble.

OSU-Michigan is best, and you can't convince me otherwise.

Of course, if you have tickets and lodging and food and drink at your game, I can become a huge fan for a day. I'll admit that I can be bought.

But there isn't enough money in the world for a fan of their team to go over to the other side, and that's what makes this weekend of college football so great.

Defense Takes Center Stage In Big Ten Showdown

Saturday's Big Ten battle between No. 24 Michigan and fifth-ranked Wisconsin isn't only a showcase for two of the best defenses in college football, but also a chance at legitimacy for both sides.

The Wolverines (8-2, 5-2) haven't been bad this season, losing only to ranked foes Penn State and Michigan State, but they have fallen short of the league's Eastern Division crown for the third time in three years of leadership from Jim Harbaugh. A win over the Badgers could change the perception of Michigan from that of a good team to a legitimate up and coming force, and could also make next weekend's rivalry showdown with Ohio State bigger than it already is.

Michigan LB Devin Bush is a leader for one of the top defenses in America (Detroit Free Press)

Michigan is ranked third in the nation against the pass and third in total defense, with athletes at every level of the stop unit. It will need to bring those athletes if it wants to knock off a physical Wisconsin squad that loves to run the football. Freshman tailback Jonathan Taylor is fourth in the country in rushing at 152.5 yards per game, with 12 touchdowns. Stopping him will be the main task for Michigan, but that could be easier said than done.

Active linebackers Devin Bush, who leads the team with 82 stops, and Mike McCray Jr., with 60 tackles, will fill the gaps and go after Taylor, who has fumbled four times this season and is occasionally loose with the football. It will be a clash of wills as physical meets physical.

"Very physical team," Harbaugh said. "Very, very physical on offense. Very good quarterback, very good running back. Really good in the lines on both sides, and skill positions as well. Talented players and very tough schemes to prepare for.”

Badgers quarterback Alex Hornibrook has been solid, ranking 12th nationally in efficiency and completing 64.1 percent of his passes -- most of them to talented tight end Troy Fumagalli, who has a team high 33 catches and three touchdowns. He is a security blanket for Hornibrook, who has a tendency to make poor decisions. His 12 interceptions are the most of any top 50 quarterback, and hasn't helped the Badgers turnover issues. Wisconsin ranks 105th in turnovers lost, something coach Paul Chryst knows could be a real issue against Michigan. Wisconsin will be without top receiver Quintez Cephus, who is out for the year with a leg injury, and could rely even more than usual on Fumagalli.

"You try to make sure someone isn't trying to do too much," Chryst said. "There are times when it's good and you pull the trigger and there are times when you've just got to move off of it. I just think it's trying to make things more simple for him."

Penetrating Wisconsin's top-ranked defense, which allows just 247 yards per contest, could be a major chore for the Wolverines, who rank 94th in total offense. The change to redshirt freshman Brandon Peters has given the offense a boost in recent weeks, however, averaging over 400 yards of offense and scoring at least 33 points in each of the last three games.

"They're strong," Chryst said. "There are really good players and it's a really good scheme. They're executing and playing fast."

Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor paces the Badgers physical offense (USAToday)

Peters has a nice arm, but Harbaugh would still prefer he manage the game more than take it over. The Wolverines have been able to lean on a reliable ground attack, led by Karan Higdon, who has 854 yards and 10 trips to the end zone. He sprained an ankle last week against Maryland and is questionable against the Badgers, and if he is able to go it would bring a real power component to the table. Wisconsin simply does not give up points, allowing 14 touchdowns all season and holding all but one opponent to 17 points or fewer. If Higdon is out, the rushing chores would fall to Chris Evans, who has 569 yards and six touchdowns.

Michigan's ground game has amassed 865 yards the last three weeks, scoring 11 touchdowns and averaging 6.9 yards per carry. That could be difficult to replicate against a Wisconsin defense that is fundamentally sound and more athletic than people think. Four players have over 40 tackles, with linebacker Ryan Connelly leading the way with 55. Fellow linebacker Garrett Dooley paces the squad with 9.5 tackles for loss and also is tops in sacks, with 6.5. It is a real team effort in Madison, which is why Michigan could be up against it offensively.

The Wolverines have become productive since moving away from zone blocking and to more of a power attack up front. That success has Harbaugh optimistic.

"I feel like our execution has been improving," Harbaugh said during the Big Ten teleconference on Tuesday. "I feel like our effort has been improving and the way we finish has also been improving."

 Wisconsin had four turnovers last week against Iowa, including two interceptions returned for scores, and has had multiple giveaways in three of the last five contests. If Michigan hopes to find the end zone, it might be wise to force a few turnovers.

"You've got to know what you're doing and understand the different ways that they defend you," Chryst said. "You've got to be on, and the smallest details matter."

Wisconsin (10-0, 7-0) is looking to polish up a resume that at the moment is devoid of a signature victory. The Badgers are ranked fifth by the College Football Playoff committee, but have only one win against a top 25 team and sport a strength of schedule of 67. No team with a SOS lower than 55 has ever made the playoff field, so notching an impressive pelt such as Michigan would help the cause.

The visitor has won just once in the last eight meetings, and Michigan hasn't tasted victory in Madison since 2001. Michigan won 14-7 in Ann Arbor last season, the first meeting with Wisconsin since 2010.

No. 2 Penn State Awaiting Challenge From No. 19 Michigan

Penn State entered the 2017 football season as one of the favorites to contend for the Big Ten title, and nothing the Nittany Lions have done thus far has changed that outlook. PSU has ascended to No. 2 in the national rankings, winning all but one of its six games in dominating fashion.

The first real test of the season comes this Saturday night in Beaver Stadium when No. 19 Michigan arrives, fresh off an overtime victory against Indiana. The Wolverines struggled a bit offensively, but showed heart and determination when it was most needed, and lived to fight another day.

Penn State's Shareef Miller has been a defensive force in 2017 (exploreClarion.com)

The Wolverines will be walking into a hostile atmosphere, which makes Penn State coach James Franklin smile from ear to ear.

"We're excited," Franklin said. "Obviously it's going to be a great environment. I think people realize the only thing I like more than Christmas is a white-out football game. I'm jacked up like I am every year because the environment is special. I think Beaver Stadium on a normal game day is a top-five atmosphere. I think a white-out game day is something I think you don't really understand unless you can come experience it for yourself. I love standing at that tunnel, feeling the energy and electricity in the stadium, then running out. After that, you really don't kind of realize it again until the game's over."

Many fans know Penn State (6-0, 3-0) because of talented running back Saquon Barkley, but its the Nittany Lions' defense that is making headlines.

Penn State leads the nation in scoring defense, allowing just nine points per game, and is in the top 10 against the pass and in total defense. PSU has been able to wreak havoc up front, with Shareef Miller and Shaka Toney combining for 12 tackles for loss, which has given the secondary the ability to play freely. Penn State has nine interceptions, with junior cornerback Amani Oruwariye leading the way with three, and is second nationally in turnover margin.

Even though Michigan (5-1, 2-1) has struggled on offense for the bulk of the season, Franklin doesn't believe this will be an easy night for his defense.

"Offensively they're what I would describe as a traditional Big Ten offense, where they're going to try to run the ball down your throat, play-action pass," he said. "Very talented, very skilled. Obviously Mason Cole, feels like he's been playing there forever. I think is going to end up being a high draft choice, offensive lineman for them.

"Expect a lot of gap schemes, power, counter, things like that. But they're a traditional Big Ten offense. It's going to be a challenge. I think we all know Coach (Jim) Harbaugh runs the offense for them."

Barkley is the the straw that stirs the drink for the Nittany Lions, leading the nation in all-purpose yardage and scoring nine total touchdowns. Even if Michigan is successful at keeping him relatively contained, there are so many ways Penn State can utilize him that it is often a frustrating endeavor.

“He can catch the ball out of the backfield; he can run all the assortment of runs inside the tackles, on the edge; very good pass protector," Harbaugh said. "Can be used as a multi-purpose back that can do everything well.

"It'll take a team effort to go against a great player (in Barkley). But also a really outstanding offense with a really good quarterback, great receivers, line, backs -- they're hitting on all cylinders."

Michigan's offense has been a concern, ranking 87th nationally in total offense and 117th in converting on third down. The Wolverines will have to put some sustained drives together if they want to keep Barkley and company off the field.

“We want no turnovers, we want no sacks, no penalties, no missed assignments," Harbaugh said. "You’re striving for that perfection. Rarely do you get to perfection. We want to be excellent. That’s where our goals are.

“Very good defense. Don’t see a lot of big plays right now. Don’t see them giving up a lot of big plays in the running game or the passing game, which means they’re really sound. You can already see really good players in the front seven and in the secondary. They get to the ball, they close up gaps, and they’re rarely out of position. Still looking. Still looking to where the best way is to attack this defense and move the ball and score points.”

There are no such concerns about the Wolverines stop unit, however.

Michigan linebacker Devin Bush has been all over the field this season (MLive.com)

Michigan leads the nation in total defense and is allowing just 3.68 yards per play, and is top five against both the run and the pass. The Wolverines have won the last three meetings, holding Penn State to 16 points or less in all three.

It will be up to coordinator Don Brown to decide when to blitz, and when he thinks he can get there with just four. Brown loves to bring pressure, and in Maurice Hurst (7 TFL) and Rashan Gary (5 TFL) he has two of the best defensive linemen in the nation. But it isn't just those two. Chase Winovich leads the team in sacks with 5.5, and sophomore linebacker Devin Bush has had a breakout campaign, with 4.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. So it is definitely a team effort with the Wolverines.

Michigan has a chance to silence the naysayers, the people who say it isn't quite where it needs to be. Playing on a stage this big stage has energized Harbaugh and his players.

“Yeah, I’m excited about it and if you talk to the players about how they feel, I feel like they would feel the same way," he said. "Excited for the opportunity. They’ve been on the big stage already this year multiple times in big games and having another crack at this, knowing our guys the way I do, they’re competitors, so feel they’d be excited.”

Penn State knows that it is all right there, a chance to put another impressive notch in its belt over a brand-name opponent. The high national ranking and spotlight isn't changing the way Penn State prepares.

“For me, it hasn’t really felt any different,” Franklin said. “This is my first time, as a head coach, as a player, as an assistant, that I’ve been ranked this high. I wake up in the morning still feeling like there’s still a lot of areas we have improve, a lot of different things we can work on. I’ve got tremendous respect for our opponent, Michigan, so we spending all week kinda focused on that.”

Defense Rules In Showdown of Spartans and Wolverines

Chase Winovich (15) and Mike McCray lead a Michigan defense that is one of the best in the country (Michigan Daily)

Ever since Michigan running back Mike Hart uttered the famous phrase about Michigan State being the Wolverines "little brother," things have ratcheted up a notch or two.

The Spartans have won seven of the last nine meetings, including the improbable 27-23 victory in Ann Arbor in 2015, on a botched punt snap that was returned for a touchdown with no time left on the clock. Michigan hasn't lost a game at home to teams not named Ohio State since that contest, and is 15-2 at home in Harbaugh's tenure.

Some Michigan fans will say the Spartans are actually the biggest rival -- though that's borne out of not being able to beat the Buckeyes, the true top rival, in forever -- and Spartans coach Mark Dantonio says it should be treated differently from other games.

“You play in a rivalry game, it's not just another football game. It means more,” Dantonio said. “It means more for your fans. It means more to the players on your team from instate or from that particular rivalry position, however -- whatever rivalry game it is. It just means more.

"(Hart's comment) really hasn't changed it for me. It's really sort of still the same as far as how I've always approached it ever since I was an assistant here. I guess that's a rallying cry for some, but I am who I am and I just react the way I react sometimes. We get ready to play; they have got a good football team. I have a great amount of respect for what they have accomplished down there. Always have had that. My goal when I came here was to make that a rivalry. I think it's a rivalry. We'll leave it at that."

Both squads are fixtures near the top of the national defensive rankings, Michigan ranking first in total defense and Michigan State fifth. The Wolverines are one of just four teams in America allowing opponents less than four yards per play (3.52), and they've been especially stingy against the run, allowing 69.3 yards and just one touchdown.

"We've got to get our tailbacks going, our running game going a little bit better," Dantonio said. "But the running game on is predicated on so many other things on other levels. ... The main focus is we have to find different ways to do things. We did that against Iowa and it worked out."

Running the ball against Michigan is easier said than done, especially since the Wolverines have been able to get opponents behind the chains for most the season. Michigan is third in the nation in opponents third down conversions, allowing just over 19 percent.

"We're playing at a very high level, our linebackers and our defensive line are playing extremely well as is our secondary," UM coach Jim Harbaugh said. "We look at it as an all-11, a team defense approach. That's the style of the defense that (coordinator) Don Brown has implemented."

It may or may not be a good sign that quarterback Brian Lewerke is Michigan State's leading rusher, with 248 yards. On one hand, he has versatility and can make some plays on RPO, but it also means that the Spartans power run game isn't clicking the way it should be. Running back L.J. Scott was a darkhorse for conference honors in the preseason, but has averaged just 3.7 yards per carry with just one touchdown.

Lewerke found a new best friend last week in receiver Felton Davis III, who grabbed nine passes for 114 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Michigan State's win over Iowa last weekend, but the air attack is still largely a work in progress. Michigan is fifth in the country in sacks (18), so Lewerke will have to be at his best to avoid negative plays.

Michigan State QB Brian Lewerke (Detroit Free Press)

"I think he's always been a good quarterback, he's definitely getting better and better. Ascending as he goes," Harbaugh said. "You can see it game by game. Very talented thrower, very good arm talent. He's athletic and is able to and has the instincts of a runner and is able to pick up yards as a ball carrier. He has an ability to make the big play and seems to be in command when he's on the field. All really good things."

Michigan is powered by defensive end Chase Winovich, who has 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. Active linebacker Devin Bush adds 4.5 sacks as well as an ability to drop into coverage, and captain Mike McCray has 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks, and provides immeasurable leadership to a young but talented unit.

The Spartans will be facing John O'Korn at quarterback, and he pushes the ball down the field better than incumbent Wilton Speight, who is out with an injury. O'Korn played well in relief against Purdue, and has a robust 11.4 yards per attempt while completing over 70 percent of his passes. He may be asked to throw a bit more as Michigan State is stout against the run, ranking 16th nationally with 96 yards allowed per game. 

"John's done a fantastic job ever since he got here in every role that he's been in," Harbaugh said. "He's acquitted himself well, including coming off the bench and leading our team to victory against Purdue. I think that speaks volumes."

Ty Isaac has been the Wolverines lead back, averaging 6.3 yards per carry and 89 yards per game. Grant Perry has paced an unspectacular receiving corps, catching 13 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. 

Michigan State is led by end Joe Bachie, who has 34 tackles and four tackles for loss. Linebacker Chris Frey is one of the most active members of the Spartans D, amassing 20 stops and 2.5 sacks. The Spartans allow just 18 points per game and are keeping opposing passers to a paltry 48.2 completion percentage, so Michigan will have its work cut out.

"If you're going to play well defensively in any game, you have to tackle well," Dantonio said. "You have to play the ball well in the deep part of the field and match them up and protect the quarterback. That's our mindset as we go into any football game, but I thought we played extremely well up front and we won at the line of scrimmage (against Iowa), which you have to be able to do."

The teams will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night, which will add a little bit of juice to the proceedings -- though that likely won't be needed, as both teams have plenty on the line.

“I understand that there’s night games and I’ve said this before: I think as a player there’s an exciting part of that, especially the way the pants, the silks, there’s a shine there kind of like…yeah, night games are cool," Harbaugh said. "Yeah, there’s a part of me that’s excited about that. I think there’s a part that excited the players as well, playing under the lights.”

After winning just four games last year, Michigan State is trying to get back to the top of the Big Ten, which is where it was in 2015. Beating Michigan in Ann Arbor will go a long way toward reaching that goal, and the fact that it's a rivalry contest would make it even sweeter. Some coaches will downplay that aspect, but not Dantonio.

"I think that's all coach talk, personally," he said. "I think coaches know what games are important. They understand. They can stand up here and say, `well, this is just another football game,' but it's not.

We play in a Championship Game; it's not just another football game. You play in a rivalry game; it's not just another football game. It means more. It means more for your fans, it means more to the players on your team from instate or from that particular rivalry position, whatever rivalry game it is. It just means more. And I think it's great for college football. I think it's what makes college football in a lot of ways. I think people anticipate these games, look towards the schedule and probably look at the season, and as they are getting their season tickets and say, `Oh, we have that particular game,' whatever it is, wherever you're at, at home this particular time.

"So I think that's pretty traditional across this country, and that's how we've approached it here. Doesn't mean that anybody else has to approach anything in this type of way but that's how we've approached it here."

Coaches Play Coy As Michigan-Florida Showdown Looms

 The run-up to this Saturday's showdown between No. 11 Michigan and No. 17 Florida  has been entertaining -- at times --  banal -- mostly --  and intended to get under the skin of the opposing side.

 Welcome to Gamesmanship 101, with your professors Jim Harbaugh and Jim McElwain.

 Taking evasiveness to new levels, both coaches have been careful to not show their cards when it comes to a starting quarterback. They act as if this is some sort of war doctrine, which cannot be let out to the public.

Michigan's Jim Harbaugh praises Florida's athleticism

 Never mind that it's merely a football game, one that has high stakes but also gives the losing team ample time to recover and still make a case for the College Football Playoff.

 Harbaugh has been particularly tiresome, first declining to release an updated roster for his squad, then finally updating it with a listing of Wolverines in the NFL. Harbaugh said Monday that he knows who will start between Wilton Speight and John O'Korn, and the participants know, too. But he isn't divulging it until the game kicks off.

"Have not heard Florida announce who their starting quarterback is," Harbaugh told reporters during his weekly news conference. "We'd love that information."

 McElwain, who has already put a few cards on the table with this enthusiastic boast, says that the Gators also know their starter, but "We'll leave that for (Michigan) to guess."

 Florida will decide between sophomore Feleipe Franks, senior Luke Del Rio and Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire. Don't be surprised if Franks, who has the biggest arm and upside, gets the bulk of the work.

 Funny thing is, it's probably not the quarterbacks who will dominate the game. Both defenses were lights out a year ago, Michigan tied for first nationally in total defense, and Florida fifth. Each side has athleticism and playmakers and guys who would run through their mothers to get to the quarterback.

 Limiting big plays will be the focus for both sides, and the one that is more successful will come out ahead.

 This could be a breakout campaign for Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary, who whetted the appetites of Big Blue Nation with four tackles for loss and 27 stops in a limited role and believes the Wolverines are hungry to repeat last year's numbers. Blessed with freakish speed (sub 4.65 at 293 pounds), Gary will team with nose tackle Maurice Hurst (4 sacks, 7.5 TFL) to create havoc against a Gators front that reduced its sacks allowed from 46 to 28 a year ago.

The front seven for Michigan hopes to be as stingy on third down as it was last season, when it led the country by allowing just 21 percent conversions.

 "Things that stand out, defensively, really the way they force their opponents to lose on first and second down," McElwain said. "When looking at film, third and seven-to-10 and third and 11-plus reels, there were a lot of plays on them. So that tells us that they do a great job getting you into uncomfortable situations and behind the sticks. We have to try to stay ahead of the sticks.

Florida's Jim McElwain respects Michigan's defense (Tampa Bay Times)

"The games we've struggled in it's because up front we've been whupped. For us, it's important that those guys understand that, not letting the previous play affect you on the next play. that's probably the big thing. The teams that are really successful have players with short memories, they learn from it and move ahead."

Florida is no slouch on defense, though, with freshman Jabari Zuniga campaigning to be the next big time star. The sophomore netted five sacks a year ago and has a lightning-quick first step, and will need to be a bulwark for a front seven that lost four starters. The Gators secondary should be a handful for Michigan's untested receiving corps, led by All-America candidate Duke Dawson (team-best seven pass breaks up) at corner.

 It's no wonder Harbaugh sees almost a mirror image of his squad in the Gators defense.

"It's a long, athletic team," he said "Very quick and very aggressive. They’ll be in man coverage with an attacking style of defense. (Defensive coordinator) Randy Shannon is an outstanding coach and we’re looking forward to the competition and finding out where were at against a very good, talented team.”

 Michigan is breaking in a host of new skill players on offense, and while Florida is set at running back with Jordan Scarlett, the receiving corps will be missing All-America talent Antonio Callaway and freshman James Robinson, who are both among the eight suspended players for this game.
 
 Both teams realize the challenge that awaits on Saturday, and neither is running from it.

 “There’s no other sport that I can think of right now that doesn’t have a preseason, an exhibition season, or spring training in college or in professional sports other than college football so that’s the…no exhibition games. It’s unique. It is what it has always been, is and for the foreseeable future is going to be. That being understood, you better be ready to play your first game.”

 McElwain, who, like Harbaugh, seems to relish attention, feels that there's nothing better than being thrown into the fire right away.

“Our players come to the University of Florida to play in games like this.”

WHAT
No. 11 Michigan vs. No. 17 Florida
WHEN AND WHERE
Sept. 2nd, 3:30 pm, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
WHO TO WATCH
MICHIGAN --  While quarterback is where most of the eyes are focused, the Wolverines need to show that they can run the football. Chris Evans (614 yards, 7.0 ypc) gets first crack, but USC transfer Ty Isaac should also be in the mix. The receivers are completely new, but talented, led by No. 1 recruit Donovan Peoples-Jones. Classmate Tarik Black is no slouch, ranking among the top 15 receivers nationally in the prep ranks, and Nico Collins is another newcomer with a ton of potential. Gary and Hurst are the stars on defense, but don't overlook LB Mike McCray, the leading returning tackler from a year ago and the son of a former Ohio State captain.
FLORIDA -- The revolving door at quarterback might be designed to keep Michigan on its toes, but it could also serve to discombobulate a Gators offense that wasn't very good last season (23.9 ppg). McElwain came to Gainesville with gaudy offensive credentials, but his teams have yet to show much firepower. It might be best if he picked one quarterback and went ahead. Linebackers David Reese and Kylan Johnson are rangy and lean and can get to the football in a hurry. They will be responsible for limiting Michigan's ground game. In the absence of Callaway, Tyree Cleveland (14 catches, 21.3 ypc) should have a starring role.
WHAT DECIDES THE OUTCOME
First one to 20 wins, right? Both offenses appear to be works in progress, which means an opportune fumble recovery or interception return could prove to be the difference in the game. Florida returned four picks for scores a year ago and could be aggressive in coverage against Michigan's young wideouts. Florida's receivers are also untested, but the difference is that Michigan's secondary lacks a veteran presence. If Franks (or whomever) can unleash just a couple of big throws, the Gators could prevail. Michigan will, per the usual Don Brown directive, be an excellent pass rushing team and bring players from all angles and different sides of the formation. If UM gets to the quarterback, it could set the tone for the rest of the contest.

CFF 2017 Rankings -- 20-16