ANN ARBOR, Michigan (Ticker) -- Seventh-ranked Michigan hopes to work out a couple of minor flaws against Houston before facing a major test next weekend.
The Wolverines (1-0) will host rival Notre Dame, a team they narrowly lost to last year, on September 13, but first they face Houston (1-0), which looked sharp in its opening contest.
Michigan crushed Central Michigan on Saturday, 45-7, as it offense gained 615 yards. Leading the way was running back Chris Perry, who followed up a four-touchdown performance in an Outback Bowl win over Florida with a career-high 232-yard, two-TD game against the Chippewas. It was the most yards gained by a Michigan rusher in a season opener and the eighth-best performance in the school's illustrious history.
John Navarre threw for 245 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, but his numbers could have been much better had star receiver Braylon Edwards and Jason Avant not dropped sure touchdowns.
Michigan played without star defensive back Marlin Jackson, who was held out of the game by coach Lloyd Carr for pleading guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge over the summer. The Wolverines' pass defense was solid, but they allowed 218 rushing yards.
Kicker Adam Finley also missed a pair of field goals, including a chip shot from 25 yards.
Houston (1-0) whipped Rice, 48-14, in its first game under coach Art Briles.
Freshman quarterback Kevin Kolb, named the starter shortly before kickoff, was impressive, completing 17-of-22 passes for 246 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for a pair of scores.
Brandon Middleton had four receptions for 122 yards and caught both of Kolb's touchdown passes.
Michigan has faced Houston twice, beating the Cougars in 1992 and 1993.
