BYU vs. Michigan College Football Week 4 Preview, TV Schedule, Prediction

TV Schedule: Saturday, September 26, 12 P.M ET, ABC

Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI

Line: Michigan (-6.5)

After a disappointing loss in their opener to the No. 18 Utah Utes (3-0), the Michigan Wolverines (2-1) have bounced back with two impressive home wins over the Oregon State Beavers (2-1) and the UNLV Rebels (0-3). Now they’ll get a chance to prove if they’re legit when they welcome the No. 22 BYU Cougars to the Big House on Saturday. BYU is looking to bounce back from their heartbreaking one-point loss to the No. 9 UCLA Bruins.

Michigan QB Jake Ruddock‘s season can be best described in one word — odd. The transfer from the University of Iowa looked okay against Utah.

Coach Jim Harbaugh is sticking by the fifth-year senior for now. But the BYU defense is known for their aggressive play, already having seven interceptions on the season. Ruddock has five INTs in just three games and will have to be careful for the Wolverines to secure a win.

After losing team captain and leader senior QB Taysom Hill to injury in the season opener on the road against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-2). They were forced to use freshman Tanner Magnum. Magnum led his team on an incredible rally that ended with a 44-yard touchdown pass as time expired for a 33-28 win. Since then, Magnum has surpassed all expectations. He lit up the Boise State Broncos for 300 yards and two TDs. Before last week’s loss against UCLA, he looked invincible.

Michigan is seventh in the FBS in total defense. They have only given up an average of 144 passing YPG. On the road, at Michigan the freshman QB will struggle. BYU’s defense will have to play really well. Whichever team has more takeaways will win this one.

Prediction: Michigan 24, BYU 20

Chipper Murphy is a Beat Writer for the New York Knicks on www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy. “Like” him on Facebook.