5 things we learned from Michigan Football win over Colorado State

Running game in good hands

There’s still the unanswered question about how Michigan football will do in short-yardage situations without Hassan Haskins because that wasn’t going to be answered against the Rams, but the running game looked solid.

It wasn’t spectacular and I was a little disappointed that neither Donovan Edwards or Blake Corum reached 100 yards. I thought that both would. Corum had 13 carries for 76 yards, while Edwards got 12 for 64. Solid but not spectacular.

The run blocking improved as the game wore on and the third-quarter touchdown drive that was seven plays (all runs) showed this team can still pound the rock. Ryan Hayes also missed the game at left tackle.

With McCarthy running the read-option, the running game looks nearly impossible and the one red-zone trip with him at quarterback resulted in a 20-yard run. He had 50 total on three carries.

Yet, CJ Stokes a true freshman also had six carries for 35 and caught a pass for 15 yards, giving him 50 yards from scrimmage. He impressed during fall camp and looked the part in the win over Colorado State.

The running game won’t be quite as effective without Haskins, especially getting those third and shorts, but it’s not going to struggle by any means.