You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor
Posted on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 5:59 a.m.

Your mega guide to Michigan vs. UMass

By Pete Cunningham

fitz-toussaint-um-fb-touchdown.JPG

Michigan running back Fitz Toussaint dives for a touchdown against Umass at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com)

GAME STORY: Michigan football team scores in bunches, clobbers Massachusetts, 63-13

GRADES: Kyle Meinke grades the Wolverines' individual performances against UMass.

YOUR CHANCE TO GRADE THE WOLVERINES: How do you think Michigan did on offense, defense, special teams, coaching and overall?

LIVE COVERAGE: Check out our live updating game story on the Michigan football home page beginning at 2:30 p.m., and follow beat writers Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) and Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) on Twitter for live updates during the game.

WHO: Massachusetts at No. 17 Michigan.

WHERE: Ann Arbor.

WHEN: 3:30 p.m.

ODDS: Michigan is favored by 45.5 according to sportsbook.com.

SERIES RECORD: Michigan leads 1-0.

LAST MEETING: September 18, 2010, Michigan won 42-37 at Michigan.

WEATHER: Mostly sunny. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 70.

BROADCAST INFORMATION: TV: Big Ten Network; Radio: Michigan Sports Network (local affiliates).

MICHIGAN: Roster | Schedule

MASSACHUSETTS: Roster | Schedule

AnnArbor.com coverage: Yes, it's "just UMass" that the Wolverines face this week, but last week was "just Air Force" and that was no walk in the park. Not to mention the fact that the last time "just UMass" came to town in 2010 -- then as a Football Championship Series (formerly Div. I-AA) team -- the Minutemen nearly pulled the upset as Michigan escaped with a 42-37 win. Just incase you haven't been keeping up with all of the story lines heading into the game, here's everything you need to know in one easy to read package:

Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Roundtree_No12.jpg
5 Michigan keys: A look at who has the most to gain against UMass (with prediction)

Michigan has several players -- Roy Roundtree, Fitz Toussaint, Will Campbell, etc. -- thought to be essential to the team's success, who have yet to get on track this season. UMass is a "get on track" kind of team. Who needs to get going most this week?

frank-clark-um-football.jpg
Frank Clark's status with Michigan won't change after felony plea, Brady Hoke says

On Tuesday, Michigan defensive lineman Frank Clark pled guilty to a felony charge of second-degree home invasion. On Wednesday, Brady Hoke said that will not have an effect on his status on Saturdays. According to Hoke, Clark has paid the price required of him by the team to earn that right.

ap-state-block.jpg
Gigantic spreads: 5 memorable Michigan games where the Wolverines were massive favorites

Michigan is a 45.5 point favorite against the Minutemen on Saturday, which is believed to be the largest spread in team history. Michigan has not been kind to Vegas in the past, though, often failing to cover when the line is massive. Here's a look at five of the most memorable games where the Wolverines were massive favorites, including a certain 33-point spread they famously lost to a certain FCS opponent.

michael-cox-umass.jpg
UMass beat writer: Not even former Michigan RB Michael Cox will save Minutemen

UMass has a secret weapon in its backfield. He's a source with inside knowledge of the Michigan program: running back Michael Cox. Remember him? Exactly. MassLive.com beat writer Harry Plumer explains that the former Michigan running back is one of many not so impressive elements of the the UMass offense.

nick-kyle-screen-shot-umfootball.jpg
MLive.com's Kyle Meinke and Nick Baumgardner preview Massachusetts

They've written about the game all week, now it's time for Michigan football reporters -- and friends -- Kyle Meinke and Nick Baumgardner to step in front of the camera and breakdown Michigan versus UMass. Both see it as an opportunity for self improvement.

Thumbnail image for DENARD-ROBINSON-2.jpg
Al Borges: Denard Robinson's passing instincts 'baller' in Year 2 of scheme

Is Denard Robinson a quarterback who runs? Is he a running back who throws? Al Borges knows one thing: He's a "baller." Borges may not exactly know what being a baller means, but from what he understands, it seems to describe Robinson perfectly.

funchess.jpg
Michigan players react to freshman Devin Funchess' historic breakout performance at tight end

Devin Funchess was the first tight end since 1997 to record more than 100 yards receiving in a single game against Air Force. His teammates were not surprised. They've seen it from the freshman all throughout camp.

des-morgan-hurting.jpg
Michigan starters Desmond Morgan (head), Stephen Hopkins (hamstring) battling injuries for UMass game

After a relatively healthy 2011 season, the injury bug has hit the Wolverines hard in the early goings this fall. Brady Hoke announced on Friday that Desmond Morgan's head and Stephen Hopkins' hamstring could effect how much or if the two play on Saturday.

dennis-norfleet-footed.jpg
Michigan not expected to play any more freshmen, barring catastrophe

Michigan has played 12 true freshmen so far this season, already more than the coaching staff would like to see. While, fans may love it when a new face fresh off of the recruiting trail steps out on the field, the next time it happens believe that it is not part of the plan.

This and that:

WHO YA GOT?


Associated Press preview capsule

WHAT'S AT STAKE:

The Wolverines have a lot of improving to do, especially establishing a running game without Denard Robinson and stopping the run. UMass, in its first year at the highest level of college football, can give its program a signature win by stunning college football's winningest program. Though mostly the Minutemen would just like to stay close.

KEY MATCHUP:

Michigan RB Fitzgerald Toussaint against UMass LB Perry McIntyre. Toussaint ran for 7 yards on eight carries in his season debut against Air Force after being suspended for the opener. The Wolverines are determined to get him going and it will be up to the McIntyre-led linebackers to slow him down.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Michigan: WR Roy Roundtree. He has caught three passes for 17 yards in what was expected to be a breakout season for the player wearing Desmond Howard's Michigan Legends No. 21 jersey.

UMass: RB Mike Cox. He is playing against his former teammates as a graduate transfer. Cox had a career-high 15 carries for 36 yards in last week's 45-6 loss to Indiana. He had 39 career carries for 201 yards and two TDs for Michigan.

FACTS & FIGURES:

Two years ago at the Big House, UMass sent an onside kick out of bounds after pulling within five points and Michigan held on for 42-37 win. ... Wolverines coach Brady Hoke cleared DE Frank Clark to play less than a week after he pleaded guilty to a felony after taking a laptop from a dorm room. ... The Minutemen are led by first-time head coach in Charley Molnar, who was Brian Kelly's offensive coordinator at Notre Dame and Cincinnati. ... Michigan plays at No. 22 Notre Dame in prime-time next week. ... UMass is playing in the Mid-American Conference.

Around the Big Ten

  • Eastern Michigan at Purdue (Preview)
  • No. 20 Notre Dame (2-0) at No. 10 Michigan State (2-0) (Preview | MSU coverage)
  • Western Michigan (1-1) at Minnesota (2-0) (Preview)
  • Arkansas State (1-1) at Nebraska (1-1) (Preview)
  • California (1-1) at No. 12 Ohio State (2-0) (Preview)
  • Navy (0-1) at Penn State (0-2) (Preview)
  • Ball State (1-1) at Indiana (2-0) (Preview)
  • Utah State (2-0) at Wisconsin (1-1) (Preview)
  • Boston College (1-1) at Northwestern (2-0) (Preview)
  • Charleston Southern (0-2) at Illinois (1-1) (Preview)
  • Northern Iowa (1-1) at Iowa (1-1) (Preview)

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. Contact him at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow on Twitter @petcunningham.

Comments

David Cahill

Tue, Sep 25, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.

AnnArbor.com, this should not have been posted as the top story for today (September 25). This is not the only recent serious posting error. A couple of days ago, the "most commented" article was something about Mitt Romney's campaign office opening - in July!

treetowncartel

Tue, Sep 25, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.

This is one way to forget about an absolutely awful offensive display this past Saturday. Is it Gopher day?

RUKiddingMe

Tue, Sep 25, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.

Uhh...is this an attempt to ake us forget last Saturday? or did this automatically pop to the top of page 1 because enough comments piled up among all the linked-to stories? Or does the person who puts stuff above the fold not watch U of M football?

smokeblwr

Tue, Sep 25, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.

Hey this is on the front page a week later. We landed on the Moon everybody!

MRunner73

Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 12:07 a.m.

No surprise for me in the outcome. I was expecting a 56-10 win. U-Mass got a pick 6 for their only TD, on defense. Their offense had decent ball control overall. The Michigan offense was good and played as well as expected. One bad throw from Denard. He had a few throws that were off the mark but his accuracy is very slowly improving. His decision making is improving. Let's see how ND comes out of the MSU game. Let's hope both teams gets banged up a bit.

catfishrisin

Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 10:43 p.m.

Well, we now know two things about the UM football team. 1. They can't beat the best 2. The can beat the worst

wlhneighbor

Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 10:27 p.m.

What happened to the Big Ten Network? It went out 10 minutes into the game. Am I the only one?

Arboriginal

Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 5:29 p.m.

Take it to the Big House!