Michigan Football: Utah Utes Game Felt Like 2014
Last night began a new era of Michigan football. It’s Jim Harbaugh—born winner, football freak—who’s roaming the sideline now, which was supposed to mean at least a little something right away. But it’s hard to see that when the Wolverines perfectly resembled last year’s team.
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The most noticeable resemblance is in the turnover margin. Michigan coughed up the ball three times, and the only turnover the defense created was an interception in the end zone on a Hail Mary to end the first half. At first it looked like Jeremy Clark might be able to return it Auburn-Alabama-style, but we has cut down after 17 yards.
All three of Michigan’s turnovers were interceptions from Jake Rudock, who was heralded as the game manager and probably got the start over Shane Morris because he’s shown he can protect the ball.
But with one interception in the red zone (Michigan was actually on the 21; the ball was picked off in the red zone) and a pick-six in the fourth quarter that derailed a crucial drive, it’s no wonder Michigan found itself down 17-3 and 24-10.
Those were mistakes we expected last season.
Between turning the ball over three times (twice in critical situations) and not forcing a legitimate turnover, did it not feel like last year’s team suited up for this game?
It felt the same way while watching the offensive line and running backs. The line actually did an adequate job protecting Rudock. He was flushed out of the pocket occasionally and took a couple hits, but for the most part he had the time he needed.
The Wolverines’ problem is when the longest rush of the night goes for seven yards. Not one run got to the second level of the defense. Almost everything was stuffed. It was a terrible resemblance of what we became so numbingly familiar with last season.
For the most part Michigan’s offensive line looks it should at least not be an Achilles heel. There were 45 starts from last season on the line against Utah, but you would have sooner guessed Michigan had no idea who it was going to throw out there.
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We knew going into the game that Utah was going to bring a talented defensive front, and it’s honestly not
too
surprising that Michigan struggled for most of the night.
It’s the extent to which it struggled that has me a little worried; we could show film of last night’s game and 2014’s game and you’d only be able to tell a difference by jersey color.
I won’t put all of this on the offensive line though. One player I was impressed with last night was De’Veon Smith. He earned the start and received most of the carries. He proved to be a tough tackle and has a bright future for this team as a junior.
But he will never pan out if he can’t hit the holes he’s given.
It’s frustrating to watch a replay from the running back’s perspective and see him just run straight into a brick wall. Meanwhile there’s a nice hole open to his left, or he could have even bounced it out wide to a lot of green. Anything but stack yourself up with the meat of the line.
The good news is that’s a mistake that can be easily addressed in the film room. The bad news is this has been an issue with Michigan running backs for a few years now.
It’s easy to rip on the offensive line on nights like that, but when there’s a hole there, you can’t squander that opportunity.
Hope isn’t lost. It was game No. 1 of a 12-game slate. Brady Hoke’s teams never showed the ability to improve during the season. That would be a huge sigh of relief and piece of reassurance to see some of these woes improve with each game.
Maybe next Saturday it won’t look like the old version of a new team.