By Alan Gerould, Senior Columnist

NAPLES, FL — It was a sad day in Southwest Michigan when Ed Kengerski stepped down from his position as Sports Director of WWMT to take a job in Ann Arbor producing Michigan Wolverines media. We used to enjoy watching Ed cause coaches and players to squirm a bit with his probing questions during our weekly media luncheons. Well we are going to flip the script a bit today. Ed, you are now on the BroncoBlitz hot seat.

BroncoBlitz: The Wolverines are coming off a 2-4 season in which the highlight may be that they didn’t lose to Ohio State (game cancelled due to COVID-19). It’s hard to tell whose more frustrated, the fan base , many of whom were not in favor of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh receiving a contract extension, or Harbaugh, a proud alumni, who has shown some signs that the pressure is getting to him. There is no where to go but up from last season. What do you think Harbaugh needs to do to keep his job and how do you think that plays in to the opener versus Western Michigan?

Ed Kengerski: I’ve always been a believer that all coaches are consistently on the hot seat—especially in the digital age. I don’t believe talk about his future has any impact on this game at all.

BroncoBlitz: Now that Cade McNamara has won the job at quarterback the Wolverines offense should come into the game hitting on all cylinders. What do you think Michigan will do well in the opener?

Ed Kengerski: The Wolverines have a few veteran WRs (Ronnie Bell, Cornelius Johnson, Mike Sainristil) who should provide a comfort for McNamara. There are also several offensive skill players who could be ready to break out and display big play ability. I’m taking about guys like running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards and young wideouts like A.J. Henning and Roman Wilson.

BroncoBlitz: What does McNamara bring to the table as a starting quarterback?

Ed Kengerski: I’ve asked a bunch of Cade’s teammates this fall camp about him and the recurring theme seems to be his confidence. They like the way he’s embraced the challenge and his command of the offense. I expect him to play with a lot of poise.

BroncoBlitz: The Wolverine defense was uncharacteristically dragged all over the field last season against B1G only competition. Where do you expect the defense to be better?

Ed Kengerski: Last year was an outlier season for so many programs across the country and Michigan was certainly one of them. That being said I think they will be stronger in the secondary due to more experience and depth. Safety Dax Hill is a star talent and should really make a name for himself this season. Collectively, the Wolverines like the new system brought in by new DC Mike Macdonald, who came aboard from the Baltimore Ravens staff. I believe senior Aiden Hutchinson is primed for a career year.

BroncoBlitz: Speaking of Macdonald, Michigan overhauled its coaching staff in the offseason. What have been the reviews?

Ed Kengerski: There is a lot of new for sure, and it seems to be resonating with the athletes. Guys like senior captain Josh Ross told me the culture and environment have been amazing. Whatever the new staff is doing, it seems to be working. There is a different energy they speak of.

BroncoBlitz: Special Teams will not likely make or break this game, but you never know. Introduce the uninformed Bronco fan to the placekicker, punter and any other special teams player likely to stand out.

Ed Kengerski: Senior Jake Moody burst onto the scene late in 2018 by setting Michigan records for single-game kick scoring (19 points) and most made field goals in a game (6) against Indiana. He has a strong leg and would appear to be the favorite to handle much of the placekicking load. Graduate Student Brad Robbins averaged 45.3 yards per punt attempt last year and is expected this fall to handle duties again. Harbaugh said this week both of them have had excellent camps. He has not spoken publicly about specifics regarding the return game.

BroncoBlitz: Both of these programs are led by former alumni star quarterbacks who are driven to get their Alma Mater to the promised land. Both coaches have been relatively successful with overall winning records but have had difficulty winning the big games on the schedule. The Broncos return all but three starters from a team that was a few crazy plays removed from the MAC Title game. The Wolverines look to be much improved. On Saturday, somethings got to give. Oddsmakers have established the line at 17.5 points and the over/under at 67. What would you think Bronco Coach Tim Lester will attempt to accomplish in order to pull off the upset?

Ed Kengerski: Most upsets happen by winning the turnover battle and/or controlling the clock. WMU will also likely need an unexpected big play or two to keep Michigan’s defense honest and the Bronco defense I suspect will stay true to its aggressive nature and try to pressure McNamara as much as it can.

BroncoBlitz: Finally, when the final gun sounds and the smoke clears what do you expect the final score to be?

Ed Kengerski: The Broncos should have a good club this year and will give a Michigan team that experienced a lot of change in the offseason a good look to open the campaign. The Wolverines win this one 38-17. *As a side note, I want to thank the loyal viewers whom I have bumped into since leaving Newschannel 3 and appreciate their kind words and support. Working at Michigan Sports Television has been an amazing experience, however, my wife and I miss all of the good things west Michigan afforded us for so many years. And thank you for reaching out and allowing me to share my thoughts on the game.