3 takeaways from Michigan Football’s stomping of Minnesota

The Michigan football team flexed its proverbial muscles by over-matching the Gophers for a quality season opening road victory for the nation to witness.

The brand new Michigan football season kicked off with a bang on Saturday night. Newbie Blake Corum opened eyes on the very first play to a surprise of many with a big gainer.

A few plays later the drive got sabotaged on a ticky-tack personal foul called on Ben Mason. The Gophers took advantage with a blocked punt and were off to the races, or so it seemed.

Michigan’s offense answered the bell immediatley. A one play score by Zach Charbonnet who went untouched for 70 yards. Then the defense got involved with a monster hit on Tanner Morgan to force a fumble that was scooped up for a walk-in touchdown by Donovan Jeter. The hit was made by Michael Barrett who was just getting started with his breakout night.

After those early knockout punches were thrown, Jim Harbaugh’s team did whatever it wanted offensively. The Wolverines ran the ball at will as the top four on the depth chart all made a meaningful impact throughout the contest. The offensive line paved the way for a very positive workmanlike showing to overpower the soft Gophers defense.

Defensively, you would have liked to see Don Brown’s unit perform a little better at times. Minnesota broke off some big runs by Mo Ibrahim, but they didn’t take the top off the secondary with their signature deep balls that worked for them so frequently last year. Ibrahim and Rashod Bateman both elcipsed 100 yards respectively.

But here are three takeaways looking back at the win for Michigan football, starting with Joe Milton and how he did in his first career start.