Could elevation be problem for Michigan in opener at Utah?

By foxsports
Published

Michigan football is preparing for the increased elevation the Wolverines will face in their opener against Utah on Sept. 3 -- at least as well as possible. 

"It's one of those things you've got to be aware of and prepare for," defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin told reporters in Ann Arbor on Monday (via transcript from MGoBlog). 

Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City sits at an elevation of 4,657 feet above sea level, nearly 4,000 feet higher than Ann Arbor. 

"We’ve conditioned well all summer and we’re conditioned at the end of practices, so I think (director of strength and conditioning coach Kevin) Tolbert and his staff did a great job with our guys.” 

However, Durkin admitted there is only so much that can be done "other than talking to them." 

(H/T MGoBlog)