Michigan Football: 3 key takeaways from Army thriller for Wolverines

After an abysmal first-half showing, Michigan football overcomes a game Army academy in a heart-wrenching affair.

Things seemed destined for another all-time upset in the Big House today. Army marched in and pushed Michigan football around consistently. It was an embarrassing display for a top-10 team that was favored by over three scores.

Fortunately, in the end, Michigan football refocused and did what it needed to do to survive the unthinkable overtime scare.

It took way longer then anyone would have thought. Michigan sleepwalked through the entire contest. Zach Charbonnet had his breakout performance that most believed he could accomplish. He literally carried the maize and blue to victory with 100 yards and three scores. He is the first freshman to carry the rock over 30 times since Mike Hart back in 2004. Ronnie Bell added seven catches for 81 yards, but missed a couple of passes thrown his way again.

On defense, LaVert Hill intercepted a pass that potentially would have put the Cadets up by two scores. It seemed to be the turning point that Michigan desperately yearned for all day. Kwity Paye made the strip on the final play of the duel though. Army got forced into something that it doesn’t do much of and ultimately cost them.

Army should not hang their head low after that showing. They proved to the country why they won ten in a row. On the other hand, Michigan is certainly overrated for now. They have a bevy of things to work on while entertaining a severely needed bye week before heading to Madison for the Big Ten opener.