MICHIGAN WOLVERINES FOOTBALL
Michigan Game 1 Intel: Who’s Starting, Who Could Take Over and What Matters Most
Western Michigan at No. 16 Michigan
Saturday, Sept. 5 • 7:30 p.m. ET
Michigan Stadium • NBC/Peacock
Michigan football is back Saturday night, and we’ll finally get our first real look at the Kyle Whittingham era.
The Wolverines should handle Western Michigan, but the Broncos aren’t a typical opening opponent. They won 10 games last season and return two dangerous players in quarterback Broc Lowry and running back Jalen Buckley. Michigan’s goal is simple: start fast, play clean and build momentum before Oklahoma comes to Ann Arbor in Week 2. (mgoblue.com, ourlads.com)
What we know about the lineup
Whittingham isn’t releasing a traditional depth chart, but several roles are already clear.
Bryce Underwood is QB1, with true freshman Tommy Carr winning the backup job. Jordan Marshall will start at running back, followed by freshman Savion Hiter and veteran Bryson Kuzdzal.
Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan are Michigan’s top two receivers, while Channing Goodwin earned the WR3 role after a strong camp. Jaime Ffrench should also be involved and could quickly earn a larger role. (maizenbrew.com, maizenbrew.com, maizenbrew.com)
The offensive line remains the biggest question. Whittingham says the starting five is set, but Andrew Babalola will miss the opener. Blake Frazier is expected at left tackle, with Jake Guarnera at center and Andrew Sprague at right tackle. Evan Link, Brady Norton and Nathan Efobi are the main options at guard.
Defensively, Michigan plans to rotate heavily. Trey Pierce will lead the interior, while John Henry Daley, Dom Nichols, Nate Marshall and Cameron Brandt give the Wolverines several options at edge.
Nathaniel Staehling appears likely to start at linebacker, with Troy Bowles, Chase Taylor and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng also expected to play. The secondary will feature Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, Smith Snowden and Chris Bracy. Rod Moore will play, but Michigan can manage his workload with Mason Curtis and Jordan Young available. (maizenbrew.com, mgoblue.com, ourlads.com)
Five Wolverines to watch
Bryce Underwood: Whittingham says Underwood is “markedly better,” especially with his command of the offense and ability to make the correct reads. Michigan needs him to protect the football, recognize pressure and look comfortable running Jason Beck’s offense.
Jordan Marshall: Marshall finished last season with 932 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns despite missing time. He has topped 100 yards in four of his five career starts and should set the tone Saturday. Hiter will also get an opportunity to show why he received so much attention during camp. (mgoblue.com)
Andrew Marsh: Michigan’s top returning receiver caught 45 passes for 651 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman. His connection with Underwood could decide how much the passing game improves this season. (mgoblue.com)
John Henry Daley and Nate Marshall: Daley is healthy and should be Michigan’s most consistent pass rusher. Marshall may be the breakout name after Whittingham called him one of the best pure pass rushers on the team. (maizenbrew.com)
Nathaniel Staehling: Western’s mobile quarterback and experienced running back will test Michigan’s linebackers. Staehling has earned praise for his instincts and tackling ability, making him an important piece in the middle of the defense.
What matters most
Play clean: New systems can create early communication issues, but Michigan must avoid pre-snap penalties, bad snaps and unnecessary mistakes.
Settle the offensive line: The Wolverines need to establish the run and keep Underwood comfortable. With Oklahoma up next, Michigan needs to leave Saturday confident in its starting five.
Contain Lowry and Buckley: Michigan can’t allow missed tackles or bad angles to turn short gains into explosive plays.
Start fast: The longer Western hangs around, the more confidence it will gain. Michigan needs to take control early, get the starters quality work and then use its depth.
Build offensive rhythm: Michigan doesn’t have to empty the playbook, but Underwood, the receivers and the offensive line need meaningful game-speed repetitions.
Final word
A successful opener isn’t only about the final score. Michigan needs to look organized, physical and prepared.
Underwood must look comfortable, the offensive line needs to create movement and the defense has to tackle well while generating pressure up front.
The Wolverines should win Saturday night. The bigger question is whether they leave the field looking like a team ready for Oklahoma and everything that follows.