Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from the Wolverines loss to Notre Dame

Michigan football laid an egg in another big game against Notre Dame in the season opener. Here are three takeaways from the 24-17 defeat.

For months, we have heard how this Michigan football team was going to be different. The offensive line was supposed to better; the running game and quarterback too.

Unfortunately, after four long quarters Saturday night in South Bend, Michigan football is facing many of the same questions it did before. Shea Patterson had moments but he also had two costly, costly turnovers. He also struggled on money downs and when the ball was in Notre Dame territory.

However, this loss can’t be pinned entirely on the offense. The defense also let down, surrendering 21 points in the first half and 14 on the first two drives of the game. There were missed opportunities all across the board and what seemed like a million mental mistakes.

Penalties, poor play calls, bad decisions and everything else that could go wrong — did. On the positive side, it’s one game and it’s also a non-conference loss. Michigan football can still win the Big Ten. However, it needs to resolve the issues fast or contending in the Big Ten will be little more than a pipe dream.

There were good things. The defense looked like itself in the second half and Ambry Thomas returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. The team also had a chance to steal a win late, when really, it should have lost by double digits. In all, it’s a lot to digest, but here is our best shot with the three biggest takeaways from the 24-17 loss to the Irish.