Michigan Could Be Without Two Major Contributors For Week One

Although they'll likely be without two key contributors on the defensive side of the ball, the Michigan Wolverines are heavily favored in their opening week contest against East Carolina.

Although nothing is official yet, it sounds like the Michigan Wolverines could open the season for their week one contest against East Carolina without two main contributors on the defensive side of the ball. Appearing on Inside Michigan Football, head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that starting safeties Makari Paige and Rod Moore are still working through injuries that could linger through week one. 

"At safety, both Makari and Rod have both had some things that they are working through," Harbaugh said. 

While it's never ideal to be without two key contributors to open the season, the good news is that others seem to be stepping up as a result - most notably sophomore DB Keon Sabb. The former four-star prospect out of IMG appeared in four games as a true freshman in 2022, and it sounds like he's poised to make a much bigger contribution in year two.  

"Keon Sabb has gone straight to the top," said Harbaugh. "Amazing player who has really come into his own. He did last year on special teams. We didn't play him enough, in my opinion, at safety but he's gotten a ton of reps. Starter-quality player, no question."

The Wolverines open the 2023 campaign this Saturday at the Big House in what will be their first-ever clash with East Carolina. The game kicks off at noon and will be broadcast exclusively on Peacock (NBC Streaming Service).