Staff Predictions: No. 19 Michigan Wolverines Faces UTEP Before Big Ten Play Begins

For the first time ever, Michigan football will take on UTEP this weekend. The Wolverines have never played the Miners. While Michigan will enter the game 2-0, UTEP comes to Ann Arbor with a 1-1 record.

UTEP played Oklahoma in Week 1, suffering a 51-0 loss to the Sooners. But the Miners regrouped last weekend and crushed Texas Southern, 51-10.

While the Miners figured things out last weekend, this was always going to be the weakest opponent on Michigan's schedule. The Wolverines are expected to handle UTEP with ease and Michigan hopes to get some of its weaknesses ironed out.

Ahead of the game, Michigan on SI predicts what we think will happen between the Wolverines and Miners.

Michigan is coming off a major win over Oklahoma and there is always a chance of a letdown game. But I think Week 1 opened eyes and that won't happen this weekend. Plus, this is a team that lost to Oklahoma in Week 1, 51-0.

This was a game that I thought Michigan could open up the passing attack, but rain is in the forecast and that could provide the Wolverines with an opportunity to get Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter going.

Look for the Wolverines to win handily, while the defense pushes for a shutout, but the Miners get on the board late.

Final score: Michigan 38, UTEP 7

We have seen two different Wolverine teams show up in the first two weeks of action. The win over nationally ranked Oklahoma restored hope and seems like this team could get on the right track after nearly losing to Western Michigan. UofM should not struggle with UTEP, who lost to Oklahoma 51-0 the week before the Wolverines and Sooners squared off.

Michigan’s defense isn’t the question as the season goes on; it is whether the offense gets going. There has been no passing attack and Jordan Marshall hasn’t been able to get going as expected on the ground. Hopefully, this game can spark both the rushing and passing attack for the Maize and Blue.

Final score: Michigan 38, UTEP 3

Following a big-time win over Oklahoma, Michigan will have one more tune-up game before Big Ten play begins. UTEP actually played Oklahoma in Week 1 and the Sooners won 51-0, so UTEP is not a good football team. I think this week the offense will try to get the passing game going a little bit more and there may be some more growing pains that come as a result. UTEP will still be very overmatched on the lines of scrimmage and I expect a big Michigan win here

Final score: Michigan 38, UTEP 7

This should be a tune-up game with some fireworks from the offense. Michigan needs to find some semblance of an identity before conference play begins next week. UTEP should give them an opportunity to do that.

Any worry about a letdown game should have been squashed by their Week 1 performance. Michigan rolls.

Final score: Michigan 31, UTEP 0