Michigan football: 3 takeaways from a shaky win over Maryland

Maryland made Michigan football sweat for a while, but the Wolverines eventually overcame a deficit to improve to 4-0 heading to Iowa city next weekend.

Maryland muffed the opening kickoff and Michigan football turned it into points just eight seconds into it. J.J. McCarthy found Erick All’s replacement in Luke Schoonmaker for the early eruption to take a furious 7-0 lead. Maryland wasn’t scared however as they controlled most of the first half thanks to their offensive attack.

The Wolverines snuck ahead at the break 17-13 when Blake Corum found paydirt on fourth and one to regain the edge on the scoreboard. He picked up right where he left off last Saturday en route to a new career high in rushing yards. With Donovan Edwards out and C.J. Stokes fumbling, Corum basically carried the offense on his back all day long.

In the second go around Michigan slowly took over and started to wear down Maryland. They went up by 11 when McCarthy found Roman Wilson for a touchdown pass to gain some breathing room. The Terps responded with a long drive to get within five by the two point conversion was intercepted by Mike Sainristil.

Jake Moody hit on his second field goal of the afternoon and R.J. Moten tipped the ball to himself for essentially the game-clinching victory. Blake Corum, once again, put the icing on the cake by capping off his signature performance as a Wolverine. The maize and blue walked away with a hard fought 34-27 conquering of the Terps.

Here are the three takeaways.

1. Blake Corum was Michigan’s workhorse offensively

For the second time in a row Blake Corum put on a highlight reel show. He wowed the crowd with a 243 yard performance, along with two scores on 30 carries. His hard work and work ethic were on full display in the win. This could be the time where he vaults himself into the conversation of being one of the country’s preeminent backs, if he isn’t considered one already.

Easing back Donovan Edwards by next week will be imperative in that atmosphere. It will take a heavy burden off of the shoulders of Corum who probably wants to do it on his own anyways, but having this offense at full strength is the goal to stride for. That clash with Iowa feels like it will be one where the offensive line who runs the ball better will win the contest.

J.J. McCarthy had a up and down day as he couldn’t pinpoint his receivers on deep routes for several attempts. He also was living on the edge with the football on too many plays. Fortunately for him he didn’t turn the rock over, but came close. That’s something that Cade McNamara had as an advantage over McCarthy in that department.