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Michigan is expected to beat up on UTEP as 35.5-point favorites, but as we all saw during Week 1, things don't always go according to plan. Michigan got a huge win last week over Oklahoma by unleashing Bryce Underwood as a runner and playing very sound defense. If the Wolverines do that again on Saturday, they should win with relative ease over an outmatched UTEP team.

It's going to be interesting to see how things play out. The weather is supposed to be challenging with heavy rain in the forecast. Underwood still hasn't figured it out through the air, and running him a bunch might not be the best move with conference play beginning next week. Michigan also needs to cut way down on penalties. With all of those things on the docket, here are a few things we might see against the Miners.

1. Bryce Underwood will account for 3 touchdowns

After Underwood did what he did against Oklahoma, it's clear that the coaches have a true dual-threat guy on their hands. If they allow him to run the ball at least 10 times, he's going to find the end zone. Even though it might rain, it would be good to try to find some rhythm through the air. If the coaches let it fly a little bit and dial up quarterback runs, Underwood will be responsible for at least three scores.

2. Michigan will rush for 200+ yards

If Underwood is running the ball well, it'll open up the whole offense. Michigan's traditional rushing attack hasn't gotten going yet, so with inclement weather and an inferior opponent in the house, it's time to pound the rock with Underwood, Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter. If they can get on track, going over 200 yards will be easy to do.

3. Michigan's defense will hold UTEP under 13 points

While Michigan's offense has struggled a bit for two weeks, the defense has not. Jay Hill's unit has only given up one touchdown through eight quarters of football. With a wet field and ball, UTEP's already-struggling offense could really have a hard time against a Michigan defense that was lights out against John Mateer and Oklahoma. 

4. Michigan will record at least 3 sacks

Part of keeping UTEP under 13 points will be Michigan's ability to rush the passer with just three or four down linemen. Hill will dial up a blitz when he needs to, but U-M's front four has been really effective through two weeks. Guys like John Henry Daley and Dominic Nichols have been very hard to block, while interior guys Trey Pierce and Enow Etta have shown they they are not just run stuffers.

5. Michigan will not cover the spread

Even thought I see Michigan dominating, bad weather and a lot of runs will speed the game up and limit scoring opportunities. Because of that, Michigan won't be able to get up by at least 36 points. 

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