Such was the case in the only previous meeting between the two teams. Utah safeties coach Morgan Scalley played in that game — a 10-7 road loss to Michigan in 2002.

"We were expecting a great tradition, a great school, and when we got there you definitely felt it," recalled Scalley, who noted it was awesome to see the crowd in excess of 100,000 file into the stadium.

Everything changed, however, once the game got started.

"After that first hit, it's just football. It's you against them. We felt like our ones (first stringers) could play with their ones and it showed," Scalley said. "It just goes to show we feel we can play with anyone in the nation. We feel like we prepare just as well as anyone in the nation. You've just got to have confidence.

"You can't go in there and say 'this is Michigan' and put them up on a pedestal. The bottom line is respect them, respect what they have done, but understand you're just as deserving," he said. "It's football."

Because of Michigan's coaching change, early adjustments will have to be made. Execution will be at a premium.

"Tackling is going to be a huge part of being successful in this game," Whittingham said, while stressing the importance of fundamentals and techniques.

The message has been received.

"This team has done a great job being focused," senior receiver Brent Casteel said. "The bottom line is this team is ready to go out there and play a great game."

And that's exactly what Whittingham is looking for.

"We go in wanting to play our best football, just ready to compete," he said. "Of course, you always expect to win."

Season opener

Utah at Michigan
Today, 1:30 p.m.
TV: ABC
Radio: 700 AM

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com