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Entering Week 3 as 35.5-point favorites, Michigan needs its offense to find a rhythm before Big Ten play begins against Iowa next week. While quarterback Bryce Underwood shouldered a heavy load on the ground last week, junior running back Jordan Marshall serves as Michigan's truest X-Factor against UTEP.

The 5-10, 220-pounder is a tough, physical runner who gets better as the game goes on and as he works himself into a rhythm, per head coach Kyle Whittingham. He's viewed as an early-down runner and someone who excels between the tackles, but he has a burst and is a proficient one-cut guy if he tries to bounce it. He'll never be a burner, but he's slippery and powerful, which makes him tough to bring down.

So far, he just hasn't gotten on track. Through two games, Marshall has just 76 yards and one touchdown. Most people would've expected Marshall to do more than that against Western Michigan alone. 

Marshall has always displayed strong vision and good patience, so it's pretty surprising that he hasn't gotten it going yet. He scored 10 touchdowns last year as Michigan's most reliable short-yardage option. He did have a goal line score against Oklahoma, but other than that he's still trying to figure it out.

Why He's The X-Factor vs. UTEP

Through two games under Whitthingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck, Michigan's traditional ground attack has struggled. Last week, Underwood got loose for 87 yards and a touchdown against Oklahoma and he's currently U-M's leading rusher with just 134 yards. Against UTEP, it could be Marshall's coming out party. 

UTEP gave up big chunks on the ground against Oklahoma in Week 1 and Michigan wants to be even more run-heavy than the Sooners. Currently, UTEP is No. 93 in the country against the run. The Miners are giving up 141 yards rushing per contest and have let in three rushing touchdowns. Marshall could be the key to fixing Michigan's offensive identity. 

If he can get it going, it will take pressure off of Underwood, both as a runner himself and as a passer. It could open up running lanes for the quarterback on zone reads and really loosen coverage downfield. It would also give Michigan the ability to control tempo and finish drives with touchdowns instead of field goal tries or punts. 

If Marshall can eclipse the 100-yard mark and establish Michigan's power game early on against UTEP, it turns a clunky offensive start into a smooth springboard into conference play.

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