No. 10 Michigan vs. No. 9 Washington
In a game that pits two tough top-25 teams against each other, the U-M-Washington matchup seems to be the main event this weekend.
U-M, which was 12th in the nation in total defense last season according to ESPN.com, returns a tough defensive line, along with linebacker Victor Hobson, who has a shot at defensive player of the year honors.
Last year, Hobson led the team in tackles with 80 - 60 of them solo. Hobson also had a team-leading 13 tackles for loss, combining for a loss of 50 yards.
But Washington returns a number of veteran starters, including the dangerous tandem of quarterback Cody Pickett and Reggie Williams, who is one of the nation’s top wide receivers even though he’s only a sophomore.
In 11 games last season, Williams averaged 88.5 yards receiving for a total of 97 yards.
“You can’t play the same coverage all the time” against Williams, U-M head coach Lloyd Carr said. “You’ve got to be able to hopefully disrupt some of his routes by rolling and jamming him.
“You know that he’s going to make some catches - he’s too good not to. You’re not going to shut a guy like that down, you just want to try to prevent the big play, try to hopefully wear him down.”
U-M will look to counter with its offense. Returning quarterback John Navarre returns to the Wolverines after completing 207 of 385 pass attempts for 2,435 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, and Carr is looking for nothing but improvements on the 2001 season.
“(Navarre) has worked extremely hard and I think it’s paid off in terms of his knowledge of the game,” Carr said. “He’s a big guy that has a good arm.
“He’s always had good command on the fields and in the huddle, and I think the biggest thing is that he’s gained confidence in himself and as a result his teammates have gained confidence in him.”
Dawn Klemish
Illinois vs. Missouri
If Missouri wants to win, it will have to figure out a way to stop a solid Illinois offense. And with a Tiger defense that allowed 198.7 yards rushing and 200 yards passing last year, that doesn’t seem likely.
The Fighting Illini lost starting quarterback Kurt Kittner to graduation, but Dustin Ward, Kittner’s long-time backup, looks promising. Ward will have much support in the passing game with receiving duo Brandon Lloyd and Walter Young, who combined for 162.7 yards receiving per game last year.
“It has been a very long road, but this is what I have always wanted,” Ward said. “I have always wanted to be the starter, and I made it in my fourth year.”
The rushing game also will be strong with the return of running back Antoineo Harris, who rushed for 62.9 yards per game. Illinois also has a strong defense with Christian Morton and Eugene Wilson posted at the corners.
Dawn Klemish
Indiana vs. William & Mary
The Hoosier team has to adapt to a new coaching staff before it can find success, something first-year Indiana head coach Gerry DiNardo says won’t happen overnight.
“Having (the team) buy into your system takes time. I don’t think a new coach can come in and in the first two or three meetings and get that done,” DiNardo said. “It takes time and it takes mistakes
