Saturday will be Michigan's unofficial homecoming of sorts.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh will be making his Big House debut as the man in charge of the Wolverines (0-1) and they take on the Pac-12's Oregon State Beavers (1-0), led by their new head coach Gary Andersen.
There was quite a bit of buzz coming into the season with Harbaugh leading the team in a new direction. Following the loss to Utah, the buzz certainly settled down as fans realized the work that the new staff has ahead of them, but the atmosphere in Michigan Stadium on Saturday should still be very alive and historic.
Michigan comes into this game as the heavy favorite by a multiple-score margin. Oregon State had struggles of its own last weekend against FCS opponent Weber State, who was only 2-10 in 2014. This is a very winnable game for the Wolverines.
The Beavers do present a challenge offensively though in their new spread system, led by true freshman quarterback Seth Collins. Collins did not show he was that great of a passer in week one, but he ran for over 150 yards on the ground. Michigan has had issues stopping the spread offense for years, so Collins is certainly a player to watch for Oregon State.
On offense, Michigan will have many chances to right their wrongs from week one. Oregon State's defense was below average last season and they only return two starters, so the opportunities to make plays will be there. This is Jake Rudock's chance to show he can protect the football while moving the chains and the running game's chance to show last week was more the exception than the rule.
Game Info
Teams: Oregon State Beavers vs. Michigan Wolverines
Date: September 12, 2015
Location: Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Television: ABC
Radio: 950 AM locally
Spread: Michigan -15.5
Quick Hits
- This is the fifth meeting between the Beavers and Wolverines. Michigan is 4-0 in the series. Three of those games have been at the Big House while the other was the 1965 Rose Bowl.
- Jim Harbaugh was the starting quarterback for Michigan the last time these two teams met in 1986. He threw for 171 yards and two touchdowns while running back Jamie Morris added 140 yards on the ground.
- Oregon State is the alma mater of Michigan tight ends coach Jay Harbaugh.
- The Wolverines are 112-18-2 all-time in home openers.
MnB's Oregon State Week Coverage
9-10 - Matchups to Watch: Michigan vs. Oregon State
9-10 - Behind Enemy Lines w/ Building The Dam
9-10 - Lock 'Em Up: Tips and Trends for Week Two
9-9 - Getting to Know the Oregon State Beavers
9-8 - The Michigan Man Podcast 260 w/ OSU Radio Voice Mike Parker and Detroit News' Angelique Chengelis