Maryland vs. Michigan: Keys to the Game

Michigan heads to College Park for a date with the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday afternoon. It looks like the rain will hold off, but swirling winds could be a factor in the outing.

Here's what Michigan's objectives are for their quest to get to 4-1 on the season:

Play a Clean Game

Michigan did not turnover the ball against BYU and it led to a near-textbook day of execution on the offensive side of things. With inclement weather likely for kickoff, it will be more difficult than usual to take care of the football, but it would really cement the Wolverines as the favorite in this game if they can keep the ball off of the ground and out of Maryland's hands.

Jake Rudock is coming along slowly and a second-straight week without a turnover would be a big boost to his confidence.

Don't Kick to Will Likely

This one is pretty simple. Michigan has to keep the ball out of the hands of Maryland's biggest playmaker on special teams. The Wolverines have been mindful of that in their approach to this game, so expect John Baxter's unit to be ready to go. The wind is a wild card here.

Stay Healthy and Take Care of Business

In a game like this with Northwestern and Michigan State looming in the next few weekends, the objective is to get out of the road environment in one piece against a team that you should be able to handle rather easily. Maryland is not a good football team, but whether it is by blowout or a last second field goal, just get the win and come back to Ann Arbor healthy and ready to two big games in the coming weeks.

What do you think the key to Saturday's game is? Sound off in the comments below!