Predictions: Michigan football vs. UTEP

Angelique S. Chengelis, Connor Earegood, John Niyo, and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Saturday's Michigan - UTEP game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor (3:30 p.m., Big Ten Network/94.7 FM) .

▶ Angelique S. Chengelis: Michigan's defense has carried the Wolverines through their first two games, and this game against UTEP should offer a chance to work on many aspects of the offense, namely the run game. And no, not quarterback Bryce Underwood running the ball, but the backs, Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter. The offensive line has to be better, too, and this is the game to find improvement. And speaking of Underwood, Michigan can't get through this upcoming Big Ten schedule with a one-dimensional offense. Underwood has to gain confidence in the pass game. Michigan's defense and punting have been strong through two games, but it's time for the offense to involve receivers Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan . Pick: Michigan 41-3

▶ Connor Earegood: Last week's defensive checkmate of Oklahoma proved a far better look for Michigan. By, like, a lot. Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood might not throw very well, but he is a gifted athlete and the Wolverines are letting him show it. Michigan's defense looks like a unit that can pull this team upward. This week, UTEP won't be much of a challenge — Oklahoma hung 51 points unanswered — so maybe that lets Kyle Whittingham massage some kinks in Jason Beck's offense. The Miners are minor, and Paydirt Pete might not reach paydirt very often. The only thing that prevents this from an embarrassment of UTEP is if Michigan uses this as classroom game for Big Ten play around the corner. Pick: Michigan, 34-7

▶ John Niyo: Michigan's offense has managed just four touchdowns in two games, and one of those was the controversial Hail Mary against Western Michigan . So while this final nonconference game offers a chance to rest some injured starters (Jordan Marshall?), it's also a chance for Jason Beck to dial up some more explosive plays in the pass game for Bryce Underwood. This UTEP team got shut out, 51-0, by Oklahoma in the opener, so there's no excuse for anything less than a blowout from the Wolverines as they brace for the Big Ten season. Pick: Michigan, 42-7

▶ Bob Wojnowski: UTEP is 1-1 but lost to Oklahoma 51-0. Michigan beat Oklahoma 17-10 . So Michigan will beat UTEP 58-0, right? Haha, not how this works. It's certainly not how the Wolverines' offense has worked so far. They're favored by 35 but have scored only 30 points all season. They've won with a defense that looks fearsome with a healthy John Henry Daley . Bryce Underwood was markedly improved last week and led UM in rushing, but running backs Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter have to be more productive, which means the offensive line has to keep growing. A tough Big Ten opener against Iowa looms, so the Wolverines are advised to handle the Miners with as little fuss as possible. Pick: Michigan, 37-6