You are right, that is the big question. Having seen both, I would vote for Hughes over Metellus as a cover guy. However, I don't recall Hughes being that good, I just remember Metellus getting burned more often.
Scottwood, great question. I would say he can guard the average slots Michigan will face well enough but he won't do much for you against the all-Big Ten slots. He is a better tackler than cover guy, as I recall. I suspect Michigan will bring him off the bench in nickel packages. I wish I could say he is a star, but he was really the #2 corner and #4-#5 overall DB for Utah. When he announced he was leaving, I thought he was going to a Mountain West Conference program to be a star. I am surprised he landed at Michigan.
I am a Utah season-ticket holder. For his sake, I am very happy that Casey Hughes landed at Michigan because it is a great opportunity for him. However, he is not a star despite starting 11 games last fall for the Utes. He was likely in a battle to keep his starting job next year because Utah is adding a couple of 3-4 star juco corners and has an upcoming 4 star sophomore-to-be who were going to seriously challenge him. Nonetheless, he has 4.4 speed, played in a system that emphasizes man coverage, is a solid tackler (typical of Whittingham's players) and started on the #21 overall defense per the ESPN FPI. Solid player but not spectacular.
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Living out here in Salt Lake City and having followed Stanford somewhat, I hope Michigan lands Anderson.
1. Stanford had a great defense in 2014. Although they dropped off this year, keep in mind that they lost a lot of talent from the 2014 defense but still remained one of the conference's top defenses (along with Washington and Utah).
2. Don't be too concerned by the stats. The Pac 12 is very offensive-oriented. While Oregon did a nice job vs. Stanford, top 25 offenses like Arizona and Washington State did not. The Big Ten only has 2-3 offenses that are the caliber of the top 5-7 in the Pac 12.
3. Michigan needs some help at LB next year. I think Anderson is the type of coach who can coach up the LB's. Stanford had an all-conference LB this year, Blake Martinez, and has been strong over the last several years at that position.
4. Good recruiter. He has stolen a number of top recruits out of Utah including the 2015 Mr. Football, Simi Fehoko. He broke the hearts of Utah fans when the nation's #1 TE recruit and lifelong Ute fan Dalton Schultz chose Stanford over Utah a year ago.
5. A Harbaugh protege. His defenses are very physical.
However, even with the turnover differential going Utah's way in this one, I don't think that Jake Rudock will be a turnover machine week in and week out.
As someone who lives in SLC and follows both Pac 12 and Big Ten football, I believe that Utah is better than most of the teams on Michigan's schedule. They are clearly behind two (Ohio St and Mich St) but I would give Utah the edge on any of the others.
All in all, I believe that Michigan is an improved team this year. They won't win the Big Ten but they will win enough games to go to a bowl.
As many have mentioned, the difference in the game was the QB play for the two teams and this is absolutely true. In a 24-17 game, one QB threw 3 INT's and the other QB had 1 INT and guess which one won?
Here are some observations that show me that Harbaugh is making a difference and will continue to make a difference.
1. Devontae Booker was 1st team all Pac 12 last year with over 1500 yards rushing. Michigan did a nice job against him, holding Booker under 70 yards rushing. While Booker had 55 yards receiving, which was a nice wrinkle Utah added, he was not the dominant factor that I saw during October and November of last season (ask UCLA, USC, and Oregon State about Booker).
2. Utah's top receiver, Kenneth Scott, was a non-factor. Utah got a nice night from their FR waterbug slot receiver Britain Covey, an all-state HS QB here in UT last year, but as a team only averaged 8.7 yards per catch.
3. Utah led the nation in sacks last year but went sackless last night.
4. Utah had a dominant special teams unit last year (#1 nationally in Phil Steele rankings) but Michigan compared favorably last night (not the case last year).
5. Much like Michigan traditionally, the Kyle Whittingham Utah defenses are based on stopping the run with very big and strong tackles and relentless, physical linebackers and ends. Michigan tried to soften this up by running up the middle but this is where Utah is the strongest and Michigan has struggled with their running game for the last couple of years. So, while somewhat disappointing, it was not a major surprise that Michigan struggled to run the ball.
Keep in mind that you are taking this advice from a non-drinking Mormon but I know that the Desert Edge Brewery at Trolley Square (http://desertedgebrewery.com/) is a popular hangout here in town.
Not quite within walking distance from the stadium (it is "down the hill" from the stadium and I don't recommend the climb) but it is still reasonably close and on the way from downtown, just a street south of the main drag of 400 South.
Trolley Square is the trolley station from yesteryear that was converted into a mall with restaurants but still maintains its original aura. Kinda cool.
Even as a non-drinker, I enjoy eating there with my wives...er, wife, and family.
Yes, I misstated that. I had to leave my binocular case outside of the stadium on a trip to Ann Arbor. Rice-Eccles will allow for the binoculars and the case. Thanks for clarifying.
This won't be popular but...I root for the University of Utah, my alma mater. I'm a Utah football season ticket holder (I will be there on September 3rd!) and Salt Lake County resident. I will have mixed feelings when the Utes and Wolverines play, quite honestly. I hope it is a close game and each team shows some promise for the season.
By the way, I really enjoyed going to Ann Arbor last year for the Utah-Michigan game. Ann Arbor is a great college town, the Big House is awesome, and the Michigan band is the best in the country! Too bad the Wolverines had such a down year.
I also did some graduate work at Pepperdine University, so I root for the Waves in basketball (and the Utes...and the Wolverines).
Nice to hear from a Wolverine fan in the Intermountain West. I am a University of Utah alum, Utah season ticket holder and SLC resident but I was raised as a Michigan fan by my UM alum father. This will be, by far, the biggest non-conference home game in Utah history and one of the biggest games in Utah history.
I have two neighbors from Ann Arbor, one who flies his "M" flag religiously outside of his home and the other who worked at Michigan Stadium as a youngster. So, while SLC may not be the national hotbed of Wolverine fans, there is definitely a healthy group of Michigan fans here and in the Intermountain West.
Go Utes and Go Blue!
PS Is there a way we can ensure that the Michigan marching band comes to SLC for this game?
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Living out here in Salt Lake City and having followed Stanford somewhat, I hope Michigan lands Anderson.
1. Stanford had a great defense in 2014. Although they dropped off this year, keep in mind that they lost a lot of talent from the 2014 defense but still remained one of the conference's top defenses (along with Washington and Utah).
2. Don't be too concerned by the stats. The Pac 12 is very offensive-oriented. While Oregon did a nice job vs. Stanford, top 25 offenses like Arizona and Washington State did not. The Big Ten only has 2-3 offenses that are the caliber of the top 5-7 in the Pac 12.
3. Michigan needs some help at LB next year. I think Anderson is the type of coach who can coach up the LB's. Stanford had an all-conference LB this year, Blake Martinez, and has been strong over the last several years at that position.
4. Good recruiter. He has stolen a number of top recruits out of Utah including the 2015 Mr. Football, Simi Fehoko. He broke the hearts of Utah fans when the nation's #1 TE recruit and lifelong Ute fan Dalton Schultz chose Stanford over Utah a year ago.
5. A Harbaugh protege. His defenses are very physical.
Go Blue!
The turnovers were the difference in the game.
However, even with the turnover differential going Utah's way in this one, I don't think that Jake Rudock will be a turnover machine week in and week out.
As someone who lives in SLC and follows both Pac 12 and Big Ten football, I believe that Utah is better than most of the teams on Michigan's schedule. They are clearly behind two (Ohio St and Mich St) but I would give Utah the edge on any of the others.
All in all, I believe that Michigan is an improved team this year. They won't win the Big Ten but they will win enough games to go to a bowl.
As many have mentioned, the difference in the game was the QB play for the two teams and this is absolutely true. In a 24-17 game, one QB threw 3 INT's and the other QB had 1 INT and guess which one won?
Here are some observations that show me that Harbaugh is making a difference and will continue to make a difference.
1. Devontae Booker was 1st team all Pac 12 last year with over 1500 yards rushing. Michigan did a nice job against him, holding Booker under 70 yards rushing. While Booker had 55 yards receiving, which was a nice wrinkle Utah added, he was not the dominant factor that I saw during October and November of last season (ask UCLA, USC, and Oregon State about Booker).
2. Utah's top receiver, Kenneth Scott, was a non-factor. Utah got a nice night from their FR waterbug slot receiver Britain Covey, an all-state HS QB here in UT last year, but as a team only averaged 8.7 yards per catch.
3. Utah led the nation in sacks last year but went sackless last night.
4. Utah had a dominant special teams unit last year (#1 nationally in Phil Steele rankings) but Michigan compared favorably last night (not the case last year).
5. Much like Michigan traditionally, the Kyle Whittingham Utah defenses are based on stopping the run with very big and strong tackles and relentless, physical linebackers and ends. Michigan tried to soften this up by running up the middle but this is where Utah is the strongest and Michigan has struggled with their running game for the last couple of years. So, while somewhat disappointing, it was not a major surprise that Michigan struggled to run the ball.
You are correct in your assessments.
See my response to PeterKlima above re: Desert Edge Brewery at Trolley Square. That is probably the closest bar/restaurant to the stadium.
Keep in mind that you are taking this advice from a non-drinking Mormon but I know that the Desert Edge Brewery at Trolley Square (http://desertedgebrewery.com/) is a popular hangout here in town.
Not quite within walking distance from the stadium (it is "down the hill" from the stadium and I don't recommend the climb) but it is still reasonably close and on the way from downtown, just a street south of the main drag of 400 South.
Trolley Square is the trolley station from yesteryear that was converted into a mall with restaurants but still maintains its original aura. Kinda cool.
Even as a non-drinker, I enjoy eating there with my wives...er, wife, and family.
Just a thought from a native.
As the U of U son of a U of M father, well done on the lodging. That's ideal! I hope you enjoy Salt Lake and the game.
Yes, I misstated that. I had to leave my binocular case outside of the stadium on a trip to Ann Arbor. Rice-Eccles will allow for the binoculars and the case. Thanks for clarifying.
I'm a Utah season ticket holder. There are plenty of people who bring flags into the stadium, so I think you are OK there.
There is a security check upon entrance but nothing too serious (usually just a quick look through bags for weapons, outside food and drink).
FWIW...unlike Michigan Stadium, they allow binoculars into Rice-Eccles Stadium.
I'm a Utah season ticket holder and your seats are better than mine! I'll drop by and introduce myself.
As a dual Utah/Michigan fan, I'm trying to convince myself I come out a winner here.
This won't be popular but...I root for the University of Utah, my alma mater. I'm a Utah football season ticket holder (I will be there on September 3rd!) and Salt Lake County resident. I will have mixed feelings when the Utes and Wolverines play, quite honestly. I hope it is a close game and each team shows some promise for the season.
By the way, I really enjoyed going to Ann Arbor last year for the Utah-Michigan game. Ann Arbor is a great college town, the Big House is awesome, and the Michigan band is the best in the country! Too bad the Wolverines had such a down year.
I also did some graduate work at Pepperdine University, so I root for the Waves in basketball (and the Utes...and the Wolverines).
Go Utes and Go Blue!!
Nice to hear from a Wolverine fan in the Intermountain West. I am a University of Utah alum, Utah season ticket holder and SLC resident but I was raised as a Michigan fan by my UM alum father. This will be, by far, the biggest non-conference home game in Utah history and one of the biggest games in Utah history.
I have two neighbors from Ann Arbor, one who flies his "M" flag religiously outside of his home and the other who worked at Michigan Stadium as a youngster. So, while SLC may not be the national hotbed of Wolverine fans, there is definitely a healthy group of Michigan fans here and in the Intermountain West.
Go Utes and Go Blue!
PS Is there a way we can ensure that the Michigan marching band comes to SLC for this game?