Michigan vs. WMU primer: Here’s a hint — it’s probably going to be ugly for the Broncos

Western Michigan has never beaten Michigan in 7 attempts — so at least Jim Harbaugh has that in his pocket entering Saturday’s season-opener vs. the Broncos.

Adding more fuel to the fire is the fact that the games have never really been close, always decided by a couple TDs and some change, if not more.

With exception of 2015 at Utah, Harbaugh has never lost the first game of the season while coaching the Wolverines — so there’s another good-luck charm of sorts for 7th-year Chief of State in Ann Arbor.

Cade McNamara will start at quarterback, trotting out an offense with questions along the line, hopes within the backfield and high expectations for WRs and TEs. Expect to see a relatively bland method of play-calling, because it’s Week 1, but also expect to see attempts at distributing the ball to the likes of RB Blake Corum, WR Ronnie Bell and TE Erick All and/or Luke Schoomacher.

You know, the usual stuff heading into a brand-new season: Get a taste of who can do what during game-time situations.

Michigan’s offensive line must show a semblance of a backbone, and the plays must be crisp and deliberate against the Broncos, who have routinely given up roughly 400 yards per game since the 2017 season.

There won’t be much time to get comfortable, either. In order for the Wolverines to start off right and shake off 2020’s 2-4 embarrassment, they must strike fast and early; it’s a really simple game plan, one that’s certainly been emphasized by Harbaugh.

Of course, it can’t be another false-flag operation like the 49-24 season-opening win at Minnesota in 2020 — that victory had just about everyone believing in the Wolverines, even if for a brief moment; then massive failure followed at a rampant pace and the praise shifted to harsh criticism.

So, in short, Michigan is searching for good luck and a huge win — you’ve heard all of this before — in an apparent “gimme” game at noon Saturday in Ann Arbor, something to instill confidence.

Five years ago, the conversation may have been centered around an upset. However, the Broncos just aren’t that good anymore. PJ Fleck left for Minnesota after going 13-1 in 2016, and current coach Tim Lester hasn’t won more than 7 games since assuming control. The Broncos have only cracked the AP Top 25 once in their history (2016), despite having solid 8- and 9-win seasons during the 20 years prior to Fleck.

And … here comes the stock quote of how, despite history, the Wolverines aren’t looking past WMU and know which players to watch. Harbaugh has always been pretty good at throwing out some names of players — sometimes just a jersey number — and coaches, some stats and high praise.

Must be the sportsman in him.

“Them offensively, they’re really good at what they do,” Harbaugh said during Monday’s press availability. “They execute really well at a high level. Quarterback (Kaleb Eleby) (is) really fantastic. When you rank 3rd in the country in pass efficiency, that’s playing really efficient, that’s playing really good football. (La’Darius Jefferson) – a fine running back. All the running backs are really – they’re north-south guys.

“They hit holes fast. The receivers do an excellent job – No. 24 (Skyy Moore) and No. 1 (Jaylen Hall). Both making the catch, but also what they do when they’ve made the catch. What they do with the ball after, yards after catch – extremely good. The offensive line, as well. They play really good together. Just, they play really good football. They execute their schemes extremely well.”

Jefferson, once a prized recruit in the state of Michigan, might have the best chance at carrying Western Michigan on Saturday. Formerly at MSU, Jefferson had 2 carries for 4 yards during a 21-7 loss to UM. But hey, at least he’s played the game and likely has a healthy disdain for the Wolverines (being a former Spartan, and all).

Coming up with a bright spot for the Broncos is tough. So let’s cut the to the chase. By now, you know where this is going — it’s prediction time, and it’s not going to be pretty for WMU, which is a 17-point underdog heading into The Big House.

Michigan 41, WMU 14

Adam Biggers

Adam Biggers brings his expertise on the Michigan beat to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.