FootballSaturday, September 7, 2018 6B Breakdown: Michigan vs. WMU By ETHAN WOLFE Daily Sports Writer Six days after losing to No. 8 Notre Dame, the sky still isn’t falling and Michigan football is still playing in its home opener on Saturday against Western Michigan. But what happened in South Bend was more realization than revelation — the oft-praised Wolverines (0-1 overall) had problems to manage on both sides of the ball. The offensive line alone provided a season’s worth of concerns limiting Michigan’s potential. But Jim Harbaugh announced that he had no plans to make personnel changes just yet. So the same rotation that took the field Sept. 1 will get its chance at redemption in front of its home crowd against the Broncos (0-1). Western Michigan lost its season opener in a shootout at home to Syracuse, 55-42. While the Broncos showcased an explosive offense, their defense was the polar opposite, a concern that set the Wolverines as the 25.5-point favorite to win. Here’s how Michigan matches up against Western Michigan on Saturday. Michigan pass offense vs. Western Michigan pass defense Tackles Jon Runyan Jr. and Juwann Bushell-Beatty would have been better off as ghosts on some plays against Notre Dame. All three sacks came from Runyan on the left side, but Bushell-Beatty had his own struggles surrendering pressure on the right. Even established players struggled. Sophomore center Cesar Ruiz allowed a hurry that resulted in a Notre Dame interception. Michigan has a more than capable quarterback in junior Shea Patterson, who has weapons at his disposal in a deep tight end and wide receiver group. But Patterson will need time to throw — a proposition that looks feasible against the Broncos’ weak defensive front. Western Michigan gave up just 11 completions against the Orange, but got burned for 226 yards and two touchdowns when the Broncos were already getting pummeled by the Syracuse rushing attack. Western Michigan’s defense totaled two sacks and three hurries, hardly surpassable numbers against stronger competition. It also floundered against taller receivers — a fate that could bode well for 6-foot- 4 Nico Collins. Saturday could be a breakthrough opportunity for the Wolverines’ unproven offense. Edge: Michigan Michigan run offense vs. Western Michigan run defense Michigan’s supposed running back rotation never came to life against Notre Dame. Senior Karan Higdon toted the ball 21 times for 72 yards and a touchdown, while junior Chris Evans recorded just two carries the whole night. Higdon’s touchdown — the offense’s lone score — came in what was essentially garbage time late in the fourth quarter. The coaching staff clearly sees Higdon as a three-down back, despite rushing for only 3.4 yards per carry behind a flat-footed offensive line. If there was ever a time to rotate with Evans and No. 3 back Tru Wilson, it’s in the non- conference slate. The running game should have no trouble getting back on track, though, against the Broncos. Against the Orange, Western Michigan surrendered 200 rushing yards to Eric Dungey, who now holds the Atlantic Coast Conference’s single-game quarterback rushing record. The Broncos also allowed five touchdowns on the ground. Michigan is yet to establish a prominent run game, though history suggests that will be short-lived with Western Michigan’s front seven. Patterson doesn’t have to be a hero in this one. Edge: Michigan Western Michigan pass offense vs. Michigan pass defense Cornerbacks coach Mike Zordich knew Notre Dame would catch the ball against his secondary. The Fighting Irish’s primary receivers were no less than four inches taller and 20 pounds heavier than his defensive backs, and their size was on full display in the first half before a relative shutout in the second half. Safeties Tyree Kinnel and Brad Hawkins led the way with eight and six tackles, respectively, while fifth-year senior cornerback Brandon Watson intercepted a pass. Star corners Lavert Hill and David Long struggled early on, but regained their footing. The defensive back rotation may not have much work to do EVAN AARON/Daily Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines head into Saturday’s matchup with Western Michigan 0-1 after falling to the No. 12 Fighting Irish, 24-17, last Saturday. For in-game updates Follow @MikeDPersak, @ethanewolfe, @Max_Marcovitch and @MWCalcagno on Twitter during Saturday’s game.