Michigan Stadium is now fully renovated. Unsurprisingly to anyone from Michigan, they have not sold out the luxury boxes. This is a statement game for Connecticut. It’s the biggest game they’ve played, but that won’t shift the gaze from Michigan. Rich Rodriguez is on the most scalding seat in the country. This game could decide whether he returns next season.

Eight wins seems to be threshold. Michigan travels to Notre Dame, to Penn State and to Ohio State. They play Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan State at home. Considering what they’ve shown the past two years, Indiana, Illinois and Purdue won’t roll over for them. Carrying at least a 3-1 record from non-conference is essential if they are going to win eight. If they don’t beat UConn, they need a win in South Bend.

The quarterback situation is settled, sort of. Speedy Denard Robinson will start. Freshman Devin Gardner will spell him and last year’s starter Tate Forcier will be third-string. Robinson’s a crazy athlete, but he was brutal when he had to throw last year, four interceptions in 31 pass attempts. His accuracy and his decision-making must improve.

Both teams need a defensive performance. Michigan has to stop the run without overcommitting and exposing their secondary. Connecticut has to handle Michigan’s speed and ability to spread the field. The game should be high scoring, but one team doing a slightly better job could make the difference.

The talent disparity was greater, but Rich Rodriguez owned Randy Edsall with West Virginia. He was 4-0 against UConn with an average victory margin of 28.75. Rodriguez destroyed them 66-21 in their last meeting in 2007. Connecticut was a 9-win team, the second best in the Big East that year.

Connecticut would be overjoyed to win this game. Michigan needs to win it. I think that gives them the edge, perhaps 35-24. If Michigan is going to eradicate the depression, it must begin today.

ND vs. Purdue: Brian Kelly is converting Notre Dame to a spread offense and a 3-4 defense. They are also entering the field through the student section. They resemble Michigan. The offense makes them intriguing. They need a couple of defensive recruiting years to seriously contend at top level. That said, Notre Dame plays seven games at home and two neutral site games against armed service teams. If they can get through their first six games 4-2. They have Western Michigan (H), Navy (N), Tulsa (H), Utah (H), Army (N) before traveling to USC. A 10-win season is not inconceivable.  Take heed crazy Catholic kids.  The South Bend police is prepared.

[Photos via Getty]