Yes, the 63-3 win was against Central Michigan. No, Michigan doesn’t need to make Biff Poggi the full-time head coach. Now that those two things are out of the way, it’s time for Michigan’s week three report card.
Coaching: A
Filling in for the suspended Sherrone Moore, Poggi called a great game. He let Bryce Underwood be Bryce Underwood. He used his legs more in this game than in the previous two combined. I like the shot taken on the first play of the game. Sure, it was almost an interception, but I’ll take that aggressiveness over whatever that was last week.
Quarterback: A
Underwood made quick decisions, be it his first read or taking off with the football. He had a nice touch on several passes and kept Central Michigan guessing with his runs. I would like to see him take something off short throws at times, and the bad interception on the deep pass keeps him from an A+
Running backs: A+
Another solid performance from the Michigan football running game. There were lots of broken tackles by all the backs. Justice Haynes impressed again with 104 rushing yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. He’s eclipsed 100 yards in every game this season. Underwood was the leading rusher with 114 and a pair of touchdowns. Jordan Marshall had his best game with 52 yards and two touchdowns. Jasper Parker and Bryson Kuzdzal both had rushing touchdowns, as did wide receiver Andrew Marsh.
Offensive Line: A+
The line dominated the line of scrimmage, and Michigan got pretty much anything it wanted.
Wide receivers: B
Semaj Morgan had four catches for 69 yards and a score, but dropped a screen pass that likely would’ve gone for another score. Seven different players caught a pass.
Defense: A+
Central Michigan couldn’t get anything going. Michigan had three sacks, six tackles for a loss, and one interception. Jaishawn Barham had two sacks, and Elijah Dotson had the interception. Michigan forced five three-and-outs.
Special teams: C
The special teams still need a bit of work. A missed 47-yard field goal. Multiple punt returns saw Michigan run into its own blocker. However, Michigan never punted in the game, and the lone kick return for Central Michigan went for 23 yards.
Overall Grade: A
This is what Michigan needed after a bad showing against the Sooners last week. Next week marks the first game of the Big Ten season as the Wolverines travel to Lincoln to face the 3-0 Nebraska Cornhuskers.