Week 1 preview: Western Michigan @ Michigan

The start of the 2009 season is almost upon us as the season opener against the Broncos of Western Michigan is right around the corner. The Broncos had a good year last year, finishing 9-4, although is was a slight disappointment after beginning 9-2. The Broncos feel like they should've had a double digit win season last year and the sting of those last 2 losses will surely be on their mind.

After an extremely disappointing 3-9 campaign last year, the Wolverines are looking to rebound. After what happened to Michigan last year, the Broncos will surely smell blood in the water. They must realize that this is their best opportunity to knock off not only the most powerful team in the state of Michigan, but also the winningest program in college football history. An opportunity like this only comes around a few times in a lifetime and their coach will surely have his guys ready to go.

The Broncos will be led by their star senior quarterback Tim Hiller, who is clearly the best player on their team. Hiller combined with senior running back Brandon West will make for a potent 1-2 punch for the Broncos. The real question is will Western Michigan be able to handle the Wolverine defense which should be very stout all season. If Hiller and West can have big games, then the Broncos will certainly have a chance. Also, this will be the first game ever for Michigan's true freshman quarterback (either Forcier or Robinson) and it still remains to be seen how he (whomever it is) will handle the pressure of playing on the big stage.

At the end of the day, however, when it's all said and done (and lots of other cliches that can be thrown in here) I believe that the Wolverines will simply be too big, too strong, too fast, and too smart for the smaller school from Kalamazoo and the Wolverines should coast to an easy victory.

And now, let the new season begin!