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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.

