Michigan Football: 5 Things we learned from wild win at Rutgers

The ground game comes alive

Going into the game, I predicted that a Michigan running back would finally get over 100 yards and while it took overtime, Hassan Haskins proved me right, rushing 25 times for 109 and a score.

Haskins did break off a 25-yard run, but mostly he gutted out yards behind an offensive line that was missing three starters and was a huge part of gutting out this win. He kept Michigan football in manageable situations for much of the night.

It was refreshing to finally see a back establish a rhythm and shockingly, it was the first time any U-M back had reached double-digit carries in a game this season.

Zach Charbonnet even ran the ball six times for 27 yards as the Wolverines attempted 44 running plays. Don’t get me wrong, the quarterback read plays or having the QB run in short yardage is getting frustrating as is the shotgun formation.

Get into the I-formation or even into the pistol — bring in Ben Mason — hand the ball the Haskins and see what happens. Put a hat on a hat and play some football. Besides, as well as Cade throws the ball, his running skills weren’t all that great, which is fine, because the best runs Michigan had last night came on the traps and quick stuff inside.

So more of that and more of Haskins and Charbonnet.