How to watch Utah vs. Michigan: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
This game is over
This game is over
You wouldn’t expect a Utah-Michigan football game from 2008 to hold much significance, but that year, the Utes’ trip to the Big House started the beginning of a new, not-so-great era for the Wolverines. That was Rich Rodriguez’s first game as Michigan’s coach, and his team disappointed, falling to the Utes and finishing the season 3-9.
Since then, everything has changed, but at the same time, not as much has for the Michigan faithful. Rich Rodriguez is no longer coaching the Wolverines, but the program has struggled in mediocrity ever since his hiring. New coach Brady Hoke hasn’t been much better, and Michigan enters this game with a real chance to lose, despite having far superior talent.
Things have/haven’t changed for Utah, as well. The Utes are now in the Pac-12, rather than the Mountain West, but they haven’t raised their profile nationally — at least, on the field. Can they get another win at the Big House to gain more respect?
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 3:30 pm ET
TV: ABC or ESPN2
Radio: Michigan Sports Network, Utah radio
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Our sites on these teams
The numbers
Rankings and records: Utah is 2-0, while Michigan is 2-1. Neither team is ranked.
Vegas: Michigan opened as a 6.5-point favorite, but is now just a 3-point favorite. The over/under is 55.
Weather forecast: High of 78 and a low of 61 with an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Two things at stake
Michigan can’t afford to lose this game if it wants to salvage the season. A convincing win would give fans more of a reason to believe in this team.
Can Utah break the shell of mediocrity? A win here would go a long way toward getting more national respect.
One big matchup
The Michigan offense struggled mightily against Notre Dame, and some of the fan base is unconvinced that quarterback Devin Gardner is capable of turning this team into a winner. However, despite the controversy among fans, there is no controversy in the mind of offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier: Gardner is the starting quarterback. This might be the biggest game of the season for Gardner. If he can get things back on track, then maybe the offense can figure itself out for the remainder of the season. If the Utah defense gets the best of him, the Utes should head home with a win.
Further reading
For more on Michigan, check out Maize n Brew. For more on Utah, check out Block U.
