East Carolina Week: Three Keys To A Michigan Football Victory

The Wolverines are heavy favorites entering Week 1 against ECU. But the games are played for a reason and Michigan cannot take a win for granted.

We are just a few days away from Michigan's first game of the season. The Wolverines will take on East Carolina for the first time in the program's history. The Pirates are coming off of an 8-5 season, which was the best season Mike Houston has had since he took over the head coaching duties at East Carolina back in 2019. 

Michigan is a heavy favorite to win Week 1, but as we all know, anything can happen on the gridiron and games are played for a reason. With that being said, here are three keys to a Michigan Wolverines' victory on Saturday. 

1. Don't take anything for granted

Michigan will be without Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore on Saturday while both are serving their suspensions. Even without the two on the sideline, the Wolverines are favored by over 30 points against ECU.

The Pirates lost most of their firepower from their eight-win team a year ago. ECU ranks 130th in the country with 34% returning production back in 2023. The Pirates lost their top signal caller, top running back, best two receivers, and the majority of their offensive line. 

But East Carolina has been sneaky when it comes to facing top-tier teams. The Pirates took South Carolina to the brink in 2021, and almost beat No. 13 NC State and Cincinnati in 2022. 

During his weekly press conference, ECU coach Mike Houston said his biggest keys are forcing some turnovers, staying clean on offense, and winning the field position game. The Pirates are coming into the Big House with absolutely nothing to lose, but Michigan has everything to lose. 

As long as the maize and blue can play their game and not go in overlooking the 'giant killers' then Michigan has a chance to not only win but cover the lofty spread. 

2. Hit the big plays early and take East Carolina out of the game

Jim Harbaugh, Sherrone Moore, J.J. McCarthy, and other Michigan players have said they want the offense to become a more mixed approach this season -- a 50/50 run-to-pass ratio. 

The Wolverines should be able to gain a healthy amount of yards on the ground against ECU on Saturday with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards ready to roll. But what most fans want to see is how the passing attack has developed. We've heard this offseason how much smoother of an operation it's been and how the receivers are starting to really gell with McCarthy. 

McCarthy started hot last season throwing the deep ball, but then in the middle of the season -- his 20-plus-yard throw completions dropped. A big key to getting the Pirates out of the game mentally is to hit those deep shots when they are available and make some big plays early. 

The Pirates were one of the worst pass defenses in 2022. ECU ranked 130th last year allowing 292 yards through the air per game. The Pirates return 39% of their defensive production from a year ago, but it's hard to imagine East Carolina will improve significantly in that aspect. Michigan has a chance to really get the aerial attack rolling in Week 1. 

3. Get the pass rush rolling and force some turnovers

Mike Houston declined to announce a starting quarterback for Saturday, but all signs indicate the Pirates will trot out Mason Garcia. Garcia is the only QB on the roster who played last season behind star Holton Ahlers. Garcia went 7-for-12 for 54 yards in 2022.

What's a good way to get a young, inexperienced quarterback shaken? Get to him early and often. 

Michigan has four, more than capable, Edge rushers on the roster that should all see significant snaps. I predict Braiden McGregor and Jaylen Harrell will get the start and Derrick Moore and Josaiah Stewart will spell them. With how Michigan likes to rotate its Edge rushers, the Wolverines should stay relatively fresh and against a new offensive line -- the maize and blue could be an issue for ECU. 

If the Wolverines can affect Garcia -- or whoever starts -- on Saturday, then that can result in some errant passes that could get intercepted. Michigan could get a big lead early, rest some starters for next week, and stay healthy.