SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah vs. Michigan matchup (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., FoxSports 1) has six important numbers.

3

Sept. 3 marks the third time Utah will have played the Michigan Wolverines during the first three weeks of the season. Utah opened its 2008 undefeated campaign with a win in the Big House and just last season came away with a 26-10 win in the same hostile environment in week one. This year, the Utes host Michigan for the first time in school history and, if history repeats itself, a Utah win is on the horizon.

121

Michigan was tied for 121 in the country in turnover ratio last season. Only Washington State, Eastern Michigan and Georgia State ranked worse in 2014. Under a new starting quarterback (yet to be named) this season, Michigan could continue its turnover struggles against an always stingy Utah defense.

0

New head coach Jim Harbaugh hasn't yet coached a game at Michigan, but many people think he is the solution to the team's recent struggles. On the other side, Utah's Kyle Whittingham has been with the Utes since 1994 and has been the head man since 2005, giving him an edge when it comes to experience with the same program. It should be a fun coaching matchup to watch.

246

In two wins over the Wolverines, Utah has allowed a combined 246 yards through the air along with just one touchdown. The Utes also have forced three interceptions in those contests. Utah lost four members of its secondary coming into 2015, so this may be a tough task to ask of a relatively inexperienced group of defensive backs.

2

This will be the second time the Utes have faced Michigan while its coach was coaching his first game as the lead dog. In 2008, Utah spoiled Rich Rodriguez's coaching debut with a 25-23 win that included a 305 yard passing performance by quarterback Brian Johnson. Harbaugh has coached on the biggest stage in football and, although he has that type of experience, Whittingham and his Utes will have something to say about that come game night.

20 or less

To kick off the season with a win, the Utes must hold Michigan's offense to 20 points or less. To do this, they must control the clock with the running game, force multiple turnovers and make a few big plays. If the Utes do these three things, I expect a victory.

CJ Pronk is a Deseret Digital Media contributor and a Stansbury High School graduate. He will be attending the University of Alabama and majoring in communications. Follow CJ on Twitter @BigCeeJ3113.