Man have I never spoken to more Michigan fans about a game vs. a non-BCS opponent that are convinced we are going to lose. The naysayers and fear mongers are out in full force this week, convinced that Greg Robinson is coaching the Michigan D and that the Blue defense will give up 500+ yards and 40+ points to the vaunted SDSU offense.
SDSU RB Ronnie Hillman might be the best back that Michigan faces this year and QB Ryan Lindley will be the best pro 
prospect on the field tomorrow. But, not to worry, Michigan overall just has more talent than the Aztecs on both sides of the ball and will pull out a closer battle than expected. The line in Vegas sits at Michigan giving 10 points, and I think that is spot on.
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The Ace Williams prediction for this weeks score: Michigan 31 SDSU 21.
Some interesting developments, rumors and things to look for going into the game . . .
* Expect Vincent Smith to be the new starting running back, but don't expect him to be the leading rusher. Smith is a gamer and has shown that he deserves to be on the field, but the coaches only are slotting him for 9-12 carries this week.
* Freshman Thomas Rawls, who saw his 1st action vs. EMU last week will split time in the backfield with Smith early on this week, giving him every opportunity to seize the job of the workhorse back that Al Borges and Brady Hoke desire.
* Many folks around the U-M team are disappointed with the lack of performance and inability to stay healthy by preseason starting running back front runners Michael Shaw and Fitz Toussaint. Do not expect to see much of either player in the coming weeks due to performance and lingering injuries. A week before the season opener, I was assured that Shaw was going to be a breakout, Chris Perry 2003 type back this season . . . while I hope he turns things around, it seems some guys every year are practice all stars that can't translate it to game day.
* RS Freshman LB Jake Ryan is emerging as a leader of the defense. Ryan and Jordan Kovacs are the two players than garner the most respect from fellow defenders for their workmanlike approach to the game. Ryan is a guy who has seemingly locked up a starting LB spot for 4 years and where I sit, will go down as one of the great Michigan LB's in recent memory when all is said and done.
* Jeremy Gallon: What a turnaround for this guy! From being a "oh no Gallon is back there" guy on punts last season to his sure handed, play making self this season is very nice to see. Gallons emergence in the passing game has been a key reason why you have seen and will continue to see 3 WR sets out of the Michigan offense.
* Where have you gone Roy Roundtree? 2010 leading WR has only had one catch in the past 2 weeks (although it was one for the ages!) and has seemingly not been a focal point of Denard Robinsons passing progressions. As I mentioned in a Michigan football summer update, Denard lost confidence in Roundtree down the stretch last season due to the dropsies and even worked with guys like Drew Dileo and Jeremy Jackson this summer looking to gain chemistry with a sure handed target.
Has that lack of confidence in Roundtree poured over into the 2011 offense? Only time will tell, but Roundtree's contribution this Saturday is something to watch for. If he gets 0-1 catches again, I would take that as a sign that he is in the QB's doghouse.
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* QB Denard Robison needs 2121 yards rushing to become the leading QB rusher in NCAA history, surpassing West Virginia great Pat White. Taking into consideration that Michigan is expected to make a bowl game this season and next, Robinson 
needs less than 100 yards rushing per game going forward to eclipse White. While this is not a focus of the play calling during games, the Michigan coaches are well aware of where #16 stands on this list and have every intention of allowing Denard to shatter the previous record. If he would have been a 4 year starter, it would have been fun to watch him climb the ranks of the NCAA all-time rushers list and give a challenge to Ron Dayne's all-time mark.
* Speaking of Denard, he joined twitter this week: @DenardX and was given a quick pep talk on how he is now seen as a celebrity figure and to always think before you tweet. The coaches, though, have no doubt that he will represent himself like a Michigan Man at all times on Twitter.
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* The coaches plan to institute a much simpler passing attack early on to get Robinson in the flow. Look for a 2010 UConn style offense early on with 5-10 yard comeback routes being the staple. Once #16 can connect on the shorter passes, queue up the deep ball again.
* Overheard in the weight room by a senior defensive lineman this week: "Let's kick these guys asses for Coach Hoke baby." Which was followed up by several woo's yeahs and 4 letter words of joy for Michigan football. Simply put, this team is motivated and wants to put a BEAT DOWN on SDSU.
* For those of you who cashed in on my bet or the week with WVU last week, enjoy this
weeks pick: Take Oklahoma State getting 4 points at Texas A&M. I am looking for Okie St. to struggle early but lay it on in the end, winning 42-28.
I am headed over to the Blogs with Balls 4 kickoff party at the Providence in Manhattan now, meeting a full crew of Chat Sports' folks who are flying from San Francisco to attend the event. If you are attending yourself, shoot me a tweet and we can grab a beer! Ace Williams Twitter
Check my $tats - ACE
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