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TheMichiganDaily, www.michigandaily.com
Breakdown: Michigan vs. Cincy
Edge: Michigan
Special teams
The Wolverines have finally
seen an inexperienced special
teams unit in action, and they
should be pleased with the
results.
Redshirt
freshman
kicker Quinn Nordin converted
on four of his six field-goal
opportunities — two of which
were from 50-plus yards —
and did so in high-pressure
situations.
Freshman Donovan Peoples-
Jones, in his own right, flashed
his athleticism as a punt returner
and — against a punter not
named Johnny Townsend, who
was the best in the country last
season — could put on a show.
On top of that, the Wolverines
recovered
a
fumble
on
the
opening kickoff of the second
half against the Gators, and while
a blocked punt was a blemish
at AT&T Stadium, Michigan’s
momentum is trending up.
Edge: Michigan
Intangibles
Boone — the Bearcats’ star —
has said publicly that he has no
doubt in his mind that Cincinnati
can “shock the world” when it visits
Michigan Stadium this Saturday.
In fairness, no player would ever
admit doubt to an opponent before
the kickoff, but Florida was the
last team to mouth off about the
Wolverines’ ability, and Michigan
didn’t take too kindly to it.
On top of that, it’s the season
opener in Ann Arbor, and figures
to be a packed house. Anything
can happen on any given day, but it
doesn’t seem like Saturday will be
one of them.
Edge: Michigan
Prediction:
Michigan
41,
Cincinnati 3
KATELYN MULCAHY/Daily
Sophomore linebacker Devin Bush Jr. broke out against the then-17th ranked Gators with seven tackles and two sacks, and has a chance for another massive performance against the Bearcats.