Michigan Football: How big was the Florida win?

Michigan football beat Florida 33-17 Saturday in Dallas. But just how big of a win is that for the Wolverines?

Every game counts, but some games count more than others.  First game of the season against an SEC team?  That gave pollsters and commentators something to talk about, prognosticators some entrails to read, and opposing coaches some good information about Michigan football’s strengths and weaknesses.

Related Story: Important Takeaways from Michigan's win over Florida

Michigan’s defensive strategist, Don Brown, spoke for many in describing the importance of Saturday’s game for the team prior to kickoff:

“We’ve got a number of guys that’ll be in the soup literally for their first go-round,” Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown said. “… Big challenge for us. I’m excited for us just to play a game. I mean, just: Play. A. Game!”

And thankfully, for Michigan football, those young players responded to the challenge. The defense put forth a dominant effort, despite 10 new starters. The secondary clamped down Florida, holding the Gators to 181 passing yards and the pass rush tormented both quarterbacks, notching six sacks. When it was all said and done, UM forced three turnovers.

A win doesn’t necessarily mean Michigan football will move up the rankings much; Florida is a young team and a distinctly less daunting team due to a wave of suspensions, including the suspension of their best receiver and their best new running back and slot receiver.  Still, a win is a win, and at the end of the season it may have real importance, especially if Florida goes on to beat some ranked teams.

Michigan Wolverines Football

A loss against a dinged Florida team would have hurt.  Not only would Michigan then have to knock off the rest of the out-of-conference teams and pretty much run the table in the Big 10, but it still has to face three very tough conference teams in Penn State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State, each of which at the moment is ranked ahead of Michigan.

Now, the Wolverines have an impressive non-conference win on their resume. The fact that is also came at a neutral field only adds to its significance.

All of the above is power ranking conjecture. Alabama, after beating Florida State has a sizable advantage in the playoff race.

Still in the top four, Ohio State had no problem with Indiana, Wisconsin is likely to get by Utah State, and Penn State probably won’t get nicked by Akron.  In week two, however, when Michigan football takes on Cincinnati, Ohio State plays Oklahoma, Penn State plays Pitt, and Wisconsin faces Lane Kiffin’s Florida Atlantic.  Again a Michigan win against Cincinnati won’t move the needle, but a loss?  Yikes!

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The win over Florida will be key, not necessarily for rankings, but for confidence. Michigan football won a big game and they won it convincingly. For a young team, it’s hard to think of a better way to start the season.