Michigan Football: 5 things we learned in huge win over Washington

Vastardis, O-Line deserve major kudos

I know we already talked about the running game and how dominant it was, but the offensive line was so good it deserves some recognition of its own.

You just can’t say enough good things about how the Wolverines have played up front. Jim Harbaugh has talked about all the bodies they have and it showed.

But the guy who has stood out the most is center Andrew Vastardis, who honestly is the most improved player on the team.

Last season, he wasn’t good enough. He’s a former walk-on and was never gifted with athleticism, but he’s improved immensely and is executing the kinds of blocks he wasn’t before — pulling and sealing — it’s a thing of beauty if you appreciate O-line play.

Vastardis always had the smarts and the leadership. He had great qualities for a center but now, the physical part is there too. He won the job this offseason and you can see why. Hell, if he keeps playing like this, he’s going to find his way into the NFL. No Joke.

And Vastardis is surrounded by studs. Zak Zinter and Trevor Keegan are maulers. Ryan Hayes and Andrew Stueber are damn fine in the running game too and even though Michigan didn’t make the fourth-and-goal (despite the fact the ball clearly crossed the plane), I loved the call.

I also loved going for it on 4th down, up 14 on your own side of the field. Harbaugh has confidence in his running game and he should, not only because he’s got elite running backs, but a pretty good offensive line too.