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

Michigan rushing attack falters again

The running game wasn’t all bad for Michigan football but it wasn’t good enough to beat the No. 12 team in the country, on the road.

Hidgon, who is still the Wolverines best runner, had a decent night. The senior got 21 carries and churned out 72 yards, along with a touchdown, the only one of the night for the offense.

But still, the fact that Michigan managed just 58 yards on 33 attempts, is embarrassing. Patterson ran five times for negative 21 (mostly on sacks); Chris Evans ran twice for one yard and when it was all said and done, UM had one run of 10 yards. That’s it.

Of course, the offensive line is mostly to blame. On some plays, there was simply nowhere to go. Patterson was also sacked and pressured constantly. It’s great that Jon Runyan Jr. and Juwann Bushell-Beatty looked good in camp but it might be time to give James Hudson or Jalen Mayfield a try.

No matter what, the offensive line needs to improve because until Michigan can run the ball effectively and protect the quarterback adequately, UM will keep coming up short in big games.