The No. 4 Michigan Wolverines haven't faced any true tests this season, but they'll finally have one Saturday against Colorado.
It's not exactly a daunting test -- definitely more of a pop quiz than a final exam -- but Colorado does pose a challenge to Michigan that Hawaii and UCF did not.
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The Buffaloes come into Ann Arbor after waxing Colorado State and Idaho State by a combined score of 100-14 and outgaining their opponents 1,175 yards to 321 yards. Colorado hasn't played the toughest competition, but its first two weeks have played out very similarly to Michigan's.
Sefo Liufau will be Michigan's biggest headache. The senior quarterback is the type of willing runner who can give Michigan's defense fits on broken plays. Liufau has thrown for 522 yards and rushed for 120 yards through two games. After Michigan allowed Central Florida quarterbacks to gain 67 yards on the ground, Colorado will try to spread Michigan out and use Liufau's scrambling ability to its advantage.
Michigan's linebackers will be crucial in containing Liufau and the Buffaloes' rushing attack. Mike McCray has been the Wolverines' most active linebacker, but he doesn't have the top end speed to set the edge against a quick runner. Look for Jabrill Peppers to keep an eye on Liufau as Don Brown continues to dial up blitzes.
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On offense, Wilton Speight will have to lead the charge once again. Colorado will likely try to follow the same blueprint set by UCF, which stacked the box and stopped Michigan from running the football. Colorado held Idaho State to just 61 yards on the ground last week -- a possible glimpse into the Buffaloes' game plan against Michigan.
Speight has proven to be more than capable of leading touchdown drives with short gains and play action passes. Since throwing an interception on his first play of the year, Speight has completed 35 of 49 passes for seven touchdowns and no picks.
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Players to watch
Chris Evans: He exploded for 112 yards and two touchdowns in his debut, but Evans got a reality check against UCF, gaining just 35 yards on nine carries. How will the freshman bounce back in his first game against a Power Five opponent?
Channing Stribling: With Jourdan Lewis sidelined by injury, Stribling has been Michigan's No. 1 cornerback. If Lewis can't go against Colorado, Stribling will be asked to lead the secondary against a solid passing attack.
Eddie McDoom: Jim Harbaugh likes McDoom, and it's easy to see why. The freshman wide receiver is a touchdown waiting to happen from any spot on the field, and his explosiveness has already been on display six times -- gaining 20 receiving yards and 50 rushing yards. But is he faster than Jehu Chesson? We can only hope to find out.
Devin Ross: One of Liufau's favorite targets, Ross already has 11 catches and two touchdowns this season. He's only 5 foot 9, but he's one of Colorado's top playmakers.
Phillip Lindsay: His numbers aren't great this season, but Lindsay has found the endzone four times as Colorado's top rusher. The Buffaloes use several running backs, but Lindsay should get the majority of their backfield carries.
Chidobe Awuzie: Not only is Chidobe Awuzie a great name, but he's also a very good player. Awuzie leads Colorado in tackles from the secondary and has two pass break-ups and an interception this year. Speight will need to be aware of Awuzie at all times.
Predictions
Scoring will be down
Through four games, Michigan and Colorado have put up a combined 214 points against inferior opponents. Clearly, that trend won't continue in this game. Michigan's starting offense will see more playing time than it has the first two weeks, but a more talented Colorado defense should be able to keep the Wolverines well under 50 points. For the Buffaloes, it would be a huge surprise to see them sniff 30 points.
Sacks will be up
Colorado likes to pass the ball, and Don Brown likes to rush the passer. Michigan's defensive line has a chance to get in the backfield and put pressure on Liufau and force the Buffaloes into long yardage situations. Colorado has only allowed one sack this season, so that will have to change. On the other side, Michigan's offensive line will face a Colorado defensive front that has only three sacks through two games.
Michigan will cover the spread ... barely
As of Friday afternoon, Michigan is favored by 19.5 points over Colorado. The Wolverines have won by 60 points and 37 points so far this season, but a 20-point spread sounds about right for Week 3. Colorado can hang tough for the first half, but Michigan has more talent and more depth to outlast the Buffaloes. Michigan should cover the spread and keep things from getting too interesting by the third quarter. If Michigan forces turnovers, this game could balloon into another blowout.
Details
Who: Michigan Wolverines vs. Colorado Buffaloes
What: Fifth all-time meeting in football (Michigan leads 3-1)
When: 3:30 p.m Saturday
Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Why: Because America loves football
Test yourself!
This quiz is short and sweet. Can you go 5/5?
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