Three games down, eight to go to get to the Horseshoe unbeaten.  Here's the first game that really is going to take some convincing. 

Wisconsin -- Sept. 27, TBA

With a young offense and a new system, Michigan would benefit from three or four bye weeks during the season.  Unfortunately, they only get one.  The week before playing Wisconsin isn't a bad time to have it though.  A week off will give the defense some time to rest and the offense a chance to fix up some early season problems and implement some new quirks.  The bad news?  Wisconsin also has a week off before traveling to Ann Arbor.  So what gives Michigan a fighting chance against a team most will have in the top 15-20 coming into the season?

1. History- UM is 48-12-1 against UW, and is 16-1 in the last 17 contests at Michigan Stadium. 
2. No passing game for Wisconsin-  It's the same question every season for the Badgers: who will play quarterback? Tyler Donovan stepped up last season, but he is gone, leaving two inexperienced signal callers to battle it out.  The Badgers also are without a big-name receiver. 
3. No pass defense either- Jack Ikegwuonu left for the NFL after last season.  Two newcomers fill the corner positions, and both missed spring ball. 
4. Special teams- Lopata and Space Emperor Mesko give Michigan an edge against most teams in the kicking department.
5. Rich Rodriguez- This is the game where we some major innovation in the offense. 

This all sounds pretty good, but at the same time, it's a very rosy preview.  The history of the series is essentially out the window with a new coach for Michigan and a new-ish coach for Wisconsin, both of whom have installed different offenses (Bielema has moved Wisconsin to a more balanced attack, integrating the passing game more). 

Wisconsin's lack of a prominent quarterback is nothing new for them and the wide receivers may not need to be great with one of the best tight ends in the country, Travis Beckum, picking up the slack.  Plus, the lack of a passing attack is compensated with a killer running game.  PJ Hill is back for what seems like his 100th season (only a junior!) and the reserves are no slouches either.  The offensive line should be very Gittleson-y, averaging around 315 lbs., with most starters returning.

The cornerback position is a concern, but the safeties are coming back, including Big Ten INT leader from last season Shane Carter.  They also return six of the front seven. 

In the special teams department, the Badgers return David Gilreath, a sophomore that led the conference in yards per punt return last season. 

While Rodriguez should benefit from the week off, Bielema will have his defense more ready than any of the first three teams on Michigan's schedule, with extra time to break down some film. 

So what wins out?  Will the straight off the farm 'Sconnies overpower the trimmer, quicker Wolverines?  Will Michigan be able to get to the edge and use their speed?  Well, both answers are probably "yes," but this is about telling you why Michigan will win, not making predictions.

This one will be a battle, a close one, a burner of barns.  The crowd can really make the difference here; if UM can ride some momentum coming out of South Bend, Michigan fans will be frenzied after the week off and ready to push Rich Rod to his first Big Ten win. 

Wisconsin is a team to be feared on the schedule, but an inexperienced quarterback playing his first Big Ten game in the Big House bodes well for Michigan.  It will be big plays that win the day as Michigan goes 4-0, all but ensuring the bowl streak stays alive!