ANN ARBOR, Michigan: Kickoff for the Michigan football team finally arrives after months of anticipation.
In their nonconference opener on Saturday at Michigan Stadium (Noon, Peacock), the second-ranked Wolverines take on East Carolina in an attempt to win the Big Ten title and make it to the College Football Playoffs for the third time in a row.
Numerous off-field problems have overshadowed this offseason, including head coach Jim Harbaugh’s three-game suspension and an NCAA investigation into the program for recruiting violations among other things. However, there are still some unanswered questions and open starting positions.
As of the last check, Michigan was favored by 36 or 36.5 points going into the game, an indication that bookmakers don’t think the program’s cloud will have much of an impact.
With a rookie quarterback, an inexperienced running back, and unproven receivers, the Pirates could be in for a difficult day in the Big House when they arrive in Ann Arbor.
We make every effort to provide a weekly injury report and depth chart, even though Michigan declines to provide one to the media. This Saturday morning’s availability report, mandated by the Big Ten, is due.
Doubting Tavierre Dunlap, RB The junior running back from Texas, who had a quick start, has slowed down due to an injury that was not disclosed during camp. Expect to see little of Dunlap against East Carolina due to the depth at the position and his recent absence.
CB Will Johnson, most likely After having his right knee scoped in the off-season, the sophomore cornerback was unable to participate in spring practice and had a gradual return to the field. It wouldn’t surprise us if Johnson started on Saturday, played a few drives, and then sat out the remainder of the game as he had stated earlier in the summer that he might be starting the season slowly. Though I don’t think the Michigan staff will overwork him, I do expect him to start.
DB Rod Moore, INQUISItive This week, Michigan’s head coach Jim Harbaugh disclosed that one of his starting safeties has been sidelined due to an unidentified injury. With up to three starters out for Saturday, the Wolverines’ secondary would suffer greatly from his absence.
WR Tyler Morris, UNCERTAINTY The specifics are unknown, but the sophomore wide receiver has missed weeks of practice due to an injury that was not disclosed halfway through camp. Morris had established himself as Michigan’s third-best receiver at one point, raising the possibility that his absence would impact the passing game.
WR Peyton O’Leary, MISCELLATING — Similar to Morris, the former walk-on receiver has been coping for weeks with an unidentified, minor injury. Jim Harbaugh, the head coach, stated that getting him and Morris back this week in some capacity was the goal. There’s a chance they play if they do. But for now, I’d say that these two are more doubtful than probable.
