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Game guide: Stout defensive fronts, bruising ground games may define both Michigan and Utah

Michigan is away. Utah is at home.

Jim Harbaugh is in his first year as Michigan's head coach. Kyle Whittingham is in his 11th as Utah's.

Michigan most recently went 5-7 as Brady Hoke's seat went from "hot" to "ashes." Utah is fresh off a 9-4 season that eliminated many doubts about the current staff.

Michigan has new kickers and punters. Utah has Ray Guy winner Tom Hackett and Lou Groza semifinalist Andy Phillips.

And so on.

The differences seem to stack in Utah's favor, and that's why Utah's favored by five.

But if they look closely enough, even the most optimistic Utah fans will see enough of their own team in Michigan to feel some anxiety about Thursday's opener.