Michigan Football: Grading Wolverines win over Northwestern

Special teams: A

The special teams were solid again and even though Jake Moody missed a field goal late, it didn’t have any impact on the outcome and Cornelius Johnson blocked punt was more than enough to get the special teams top marks.

A.J. Henning also had a 19-yard punt return and the coverage units did a solid job on limiting Northwestern. It was a solid day all around.

Coaching: A

People always gripe about play-calling and while it does need to get a little more imaginative around the end zone, it’s a hard thing to critique. Plus, the offense got more than 450 yards. If you are going to complain about that, I’ll ask what team you watched all last season?

Jim Harbaugh deserves a ton of credit for what he’s done this season. I don’t care what happens in the last five games. Anyone who says they predicted a 7-0 start is either A. Much smarter than every Michigan prognosticator or B. Probably lying.

This team definitely had 2015 vibes. But it has exceeded expectations and if it wins one of the next three games, will be playing in a marquee bowl.

I know there are bigger goals within reach. But still, you have to be glad Harbaugh is around right now. And Saturday, he hac his team ready to go.

The coaching staff is bringing along J.J. McCarthy and others like Donovan Edwards and Andrel Anthony. Junior Colson started his first game. DJ Turner did the same.

The cream is rising to the top and when McCarthy is ready to be the starter or if they need a more dynamic option, his time will come.

For now, I’m happy they’ve given him a role where he has the chance to gain meaningful experience while helping the team.

It’s also clear that Macdonald was a genius hire. It will be interesting to see what he can do in the big games down the stretch, but so far this staff has done a nearly flawless job this season, Saturday included.