Michigan Football: Have the Wolverines Peaked?
I’m not asking this question with a condescending tone. Actually, I don’t know how this should be taken. If this Michigan football team—with a record of 5-1 and 10-1 national title odds—has peaked, then so be it. Is there anything to complain about?
To be fair, the Wolverines definitely have room for growth on the offensive side of the ball, but will we ever see it?
Jake Rudock has his moments but is very pedestrian for the most part at quarterback. I’d love to think Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh are skilled playmakers at receiver, but that’s unfortunately hard to gauge when the offense doesn’t take too many risks.
Don’t get me wrong, though. I’ve been impressed with the offense outside of a couple games this season.
Especially when it comes to a running game that’s been so elusive for the past few years.
There’s no question that De’Veon Smith is the guy; there’s no question that Rudock is the guy. We’re in a comfort zone in the sense that there’s very little controversy.
Michigan Wolverines
If we’re going to say Michigan has peaked six games into the season, it means we’re settling on this offense. Nothing wrong with that. I just think some people are going to have an issue there.
There’s no such thing on the defense though. If Michigan’s defense hasn’t peaked, the next level of success is completely unfathomable.
No arguments there.
And then there’s a special teams unit that been outstanding so far. Don’t just look at Chesson’s 96-yard kickoff return against Northwestern. Look at the improved coverage, how many punts are drilled inside the 20, having 11 guys on the field instead of 10—you know, the little things.
Just like with the defense, no argument.
My answer to this question, for the record: yes.
Michigan has peaked, but that’s not a bad thing. Imagine seeing highlights in August of the Northwestern game, with no knowledge of who’s who. You’d think you were watching something from three years down the road. But nope, just a couple months down the road.
Now the question becomes: If this team has in fact peaked, is that enough to win out?
By the looks of it, yeah, it’s enough. Who’s driving past this defense? Michigan State? Ohio State? Indiana? In a world dominated by offensive firepower, give me the Wolverines’ defense every time.
From there, it doesn’t even become a matter of if the offense is at its peak. Score 17 points, take care of the ball, and the odds are heavily in your favor.
I know I’ll probably catch a little heat for saying Michigan has peaked halfway through the season, but that’s just the way it is.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.