Michigan Football: Three Takeaways from Orange Bowl Loss to Florida State

Michigan football lost a heartbreaker in the Orange Bowl to Florida State 33-32. Here are the three most important takeaways.

For much of the game, it looked like Michigan football would lose. They were down by two touchdowns at half. The team didn’t lead until just under two minutes, when Chris Evans got Michigan their first rushing score.

The crowd was delirious as Evans crossed the goal line, but it was destined to be Florida State’s night. Michigan’s ensuing kickoff was returned to their own 34, with the Seminoles threatening a score. With 36 seconds left, they did just that on a fade route to Nyqwan Murray. Jourdan Lewis, who had been targeted all game, couldn’t get his head around in time.

Michigan returned the point after for a safety, and once more there was a glimmer of hope for the Wolverines. Yet there was still only 36 seconds. The Florida defensive line, disruptive all game, never allowed Wilton Speight to attempt anything downfield.

It was a disappointing end to the season for Michigan. The team lost three of four after starting 9-0, and will likely finish outside of the top ten.

The Wolverines lose 18 senior starters, but have a 4th ranked recruiting class set to hit campus. The loss will linger until next year, but its obvious Jim Harbaugh has set this program up for success for the coming decade.

Here are three takeaways from the Wolverines narrow defeat.