Anthony Broome

Special to the Detroit Free Press

Anthony Broome is a writer at the Wolverines blog Maize-n-Brew. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Detroit Free Press nor its writers. Read his column every week here and contact him anytime at abroome1110@gmail.com.

Michigan finally gets the opportunity to start backing up the hype surrounding the football program Saturday, when it opens the season at home against Hawaii (noon, ESPN).

The Wolverines are expected to compete for the Big Ten championship -- and perhaps even more -- but the hype does not come without a major question mark. There's always a bit of nervousness when a team has to break in a new starting quarterback. Wilton Speight looks primed to start the season under center for the Wolverines, but John O’Korn and Shane Morris are in the mix until a quarterback is finally named.

This quarterback battle is apples-and-oranges in comparison with the one that took place last season. Jake Rudock was a known commodity coming over from Iowa and was the guy to beat from the start. Going into this season, Speight and O’Korn have been locked in a fierce battle.

Coach Jim Harbaugh has had a Midas touch with developing passers throughout his career. He has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to selecting his guy at the position.

If it does end up being Speight, it is easy to see why the staff would like him. His demeanor is extremely calm, and he does not get rattled if things go well or poorly. His first taste of real playing time last season -- at Minnesota -- had its ups and downs, but it ended on a high note when he made the throws he needed when it all counted.

Those are traits he shares with his predecessor Rudock.

It is that type of poise that Michigan needs on a team with expectations so high. The Wolverines will play three tough games in the back half of their schedule: at Michigan State, at Iowa and at Ohio State. The quarterback has to be able to stay in the moment and refrain from making mistakes that can cost the team a victory. Speight has the look of a player who can do that job.

There are fans who believe that O’Korn is the better option because of his mobility and big arm, saying his upside is higher than the other QBs in the competition. That is a fair claim, but you have to give the benefit of the doubt to Harbaugh and his staff, who see the players every single day.

The schedule sets up nicely for U-M's quarterback to overcome early struggles, if there are any. Michigan probably will go four weeks before it plays a competitive team and two months before it has a stiff test on the road. There is plenty of wiggle room to develop and figure things out.

But there is a lot riding on the decision that Harbaugh will make this week.