Michigan vs. Western Michigan
Free Pick: Michigan -12.5 (Click here for football point spreads)
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The story to open the 2009 college football season for Michigan is not the hope for a rebound from last season’s horror show but the possible infractions that have taken place over the last couple seasons. Whether the Wolverines are guilty or not means little here as they are focused on starting the season strong after going 3-9 last year, the worst record in the history of the program. This is not a team on the decline but one that is changing and in the Big Ten, changing for the good. The Rich Rodriguez spread offense never got going last season as Michigan finished 109th in the country in total offense. The system needs time and the right players to become successful and with nine starters back on offense along with a quarterback who looks as though he can run the offense, things will be much better. Western Michigan will be looking to become the second MAC team in as many season to win at Michigan. The Broncos are going to contend in their conference as their offense is going to be very solid once again. Facing poor defenses in the MAC is what will help but even though Michigan finished a disappointing 67th in total defense a season ago, the Broncos are going to find it tough going Saturday. The Wolverines defense was supposed to shoulder the load for the first part of last season until the offense could come together but the problem is that neither of those happened. On the defensive side, Rodriguez brought in recently fired Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson to run the unit. Robinson struggles as the main man but he is still considered an outstanding coordinator based on his past. The defense is not going to suddenly become the best in the country or even in the Big Ten but there is enough talent to handle a MAC school. On the other side, the problem for Western Michigan is the defense. They finished 87th in the country in total defense last year and now must replace eight starters on that unit. Replacements mean change and quite possibly change for the good but not when it comes to the opening game of the season. It will take time for this unit to come around if it even ever does. A very good thing for Michigan that happened last season was Western Michigan defeating Illinois. The Wolverines had such a poor season that it is unlikely it would be looking past any team at this point but the Broncos victory over the Illini will definitely get the attention of Michigan. Also, the Wolverines have not forgotten how the Toledo Rockets came to the Big House last season and walked away with a victory so it will not be taking an MAC team for granted. The Wolverines finished 2-10 ATS last season and that is a clear advantage for them this season as these records tend to turn around the following season. The one thing Michigan needs is a quick start to 2009 and it gets it come Saturday. 3* Michigan Wolverines

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