Michigan Football: Parting Shots: Lots to be concerned, excited about

Michigan football is 3-0, but the Wolverines struggled against Air Force and while there are reasons to be excited, we have a right to be concerned.

The non-conference schedule is over. Big Ten play begins next week (against a Purdue football team that dismantled Missouri 35-3). It’s time to ask ourselves where, exactly, this Michigan football team stands.

Related Story: Breaking down the win over Air Force

Here are my parting shots after Saturday’s underwhelming (29-13) victory over Air Force.

Look, Michigan football is 3-0 and ranked no. 8 nationally (AP and the Coaches Poll). Frankly, I think that ranking is just a tiny bit generous, but there it is. Not bad. The Wolverines said goodbye to just about all their starters last year and are somehow right back in the national conversation, one big victory away from moving into the top 5. Not only that, but we’ve got a team loaded with freshmen and sophomores who are making big, sometimes dazzling plays.

Don’t believe me? Take another look at Donavan Peoples-Jones’ punt return for a touchdown last Saturday. Less than a year ago that young man was in high school, and now – only three games into the season – he’s a threat to score every time he catches the ball.

Still not enough? Take another look at the five – five! – Quinn Nordin field goals. This kid is kicking them through the uprights from all over the field, with confidence and, even better, with plenty of leg to spare.

I’d say we’ve got plenty to be excited about. So, why all the whining and hand-wringing?

That’s easy, and pardon me if I don’t go into a lot of detail here, except to mention the quarterback, the offensive line, red zone offense, failure to put games away, and play calling generally. Every sports columnist, blogger, and fan has found something in the Michigan offense to worry about. And don’t get me wrong. I see the problems too. They’re there, and they’re worrisome.

But here’s the thing. This is our team – young, hungry, motivated, and getting better (with maybe one or two exceptions) each week.

Let’s start with the quarterback. I believe that if there were a better choice behind Wilton Speight, he would already be on the field. But Speight is our guy. He earned it. He beat out a couple of other hungry guys to become the starter. Not only that, but he’s mature, he can take a hit, he doesn’t sulk after making mistakes, he’s a leader, and the guys on the field are behind him (so far).

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As for the offensive line, we knew going into the season that this group would be a work in progress. They’ve looked good at times and have given Speight time to throw, and other times they’ve looked just awful. Speight is getting sacked too many times, and one of these sacks could put him out for the season. To have any chance against solid Big Ten teams, these guys have to get better. And fast.

I’m not sure what to say about “red zone offense, failure to put games away, and play calling generally.” I’m thinking some of this is on the coaches. Maybe they’re keeping things plain vanilla until the unit gels. Maybe they’re holding back a little, not wanting to show teams like Penn State and Ohio State all the tricks in our bag. Maybe they’re doing the best with what they have. I don’t know.

What I do see, though, and what keeps me going, is that we’ve got some great young talent – play makers, guys who are clearly bound for the NFL. Let’s hope the coaches can keep finding a way to get the ball into their hands.

Next: Top 10 Michigan Running Backs of All Time

So, all in all, I’m liking this season. I’m thinking the glass is definitely half full still.