Gut reactions and highlights from Michigan Football win over Nebraska

Michigan football improved to 10-0 for the first time under Jim Harbaugh thanks to a win over Nebraska that wasn’t as easy as it looked. Here are highlights and gut reactions. 

A win is a win and 10-0 is 10-0 but the offense for Michigan football had some issues (still over 400 yards) against Nebraska football on Saturday in a 34-3 win.

The defense continues to be spectacular. Nebraska was down to its second and third-string quarterbacks but it might not have mattered. The defensive line dominated and it was one of the best games from linebacker Junior Colson.

Nebraska did a good job of shortening the game and Michigan football didn’t help with 28 carries for Heisman hopeful Blake Corum, who finished with 162 yards and a touchdown.

There was some hope that Corum would be able to have a lighter workload this week but Donovan Edwards only got two carries and it seems like there could be an injury issue. Mike Morris also left the game in the fourth quarter, which is the last thing this team needs.

He probably is one guy this defense can’t be without. Maybe Mazi Smith. For the second straight week, J.J. McCarthy completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes. It was snowy and not great conditions. His receivers also need to make some plays.

Regardless, the passing game has to get better.

However, McCarthy threw a touchdown to Ronnie Bell in the second quarter and ran one in to put the game out of reach in the third quarter.

We keep hoping the deep ball is going to come but it just might not this year. Ronnie looked like he was about to get his second TD too but fumbled, although Andrel Anthony recovered.

Next week will be a big challenge. Even though Illinois has lost two in a row, the Fighting Illini have one of the best pass defenses in college football. They are good against the run and you can bet they are going to try and make McCarthy beat them.

There are still things to improve, but it was a 31-point win and one that ensured the final game against Ohio State will be for the Big Ten East title.

Here are our gut reactions.

Gut reactions from Michigan football win over Nebraska

• It wasn’t the best game of the year but don’t complain about 31-point wins.
• Another 10-win season for Jim Harbaugh.
• Beat Ohio State and we go to Indy. Next week doesn’t matter for the Big Ten race.
• J.J. McCarthy threw the ball fine. He could have been better but guys need to make more plays.
• Blake Corum got too many carries. It was probably necessary but at least they stopped at 28.
• The offensive line should get another game ball. They were outstanding.
• Another shutout is damn impressive by the defense.
• It was good to see Michigan take care of business against a lesser opponent.
• Go Blue!