Michigan football: 3 key things to watch for against Rutgers

Intangibles

It’s hard to have any faith in anything I’m writing here, seeing as Michigan football had two weeks to wake up from a double-overtime scare and still couldn’t be bothered to get out of bed for what would be its biggest win in several years.

But that’s in the past now.

The Wolverines have to pull off the tight balancing act of using the Wisconsin debacle as fuel for their fire, while at the same time putting it firmly behind them. But it’s a balancing act they did last season too, after a loss to Notre Dame — at least until they made it to Columbus.

There’s nothing Michigan can do that would restore the faith that it lost in Madison. Certainly not all in one week. But little by little, the Wolverines can continue to improve and gel as a team, and if that all goes right, they could find themselves in the same place they were last season.

There’s a lot that has to happen for any of that to come to fruition. Gattis’ offense has to find its identity, which might begin with its ultra-talented receivers and experienced quarterback. The offensive line has to play like it was advertised. Young players along the defensive front have to gain experience and provide depth. The mental motivation to do all this has to be there as well.

But, hey, small steps.

Maybe we’ll even see some of them Saturday.