Michigan made it through non-conference unscathed, but it wasn't easy. Some thought the Oklahoma game would be the toughest for the Wolverines, but actually it was the season-opener against Western Michigan that gave the Maize and Blue the biggest problems, and it could have made this team even stronger.
The win over UTEP on Saturday was probably the most complete the Wolverines have looked this season, with the defense really locking it down and the offense finally opening up. It may have been a slow start in the first half, but Whittingham's squad seemed to put it all together in the second half, showing what they are made of.
One player in particular finally broke out, and that was wide receiver Andrew Marsh, who led the Wolverines in receiving with 105 yards on 10 receptions and a touchdown. While Marsh knows this has been Michigan's best game yet, there is still work to be done, especially with tough opponents on the horizon.
"I feel like we've gotten better and better each week, and we're just now starting to play our ball, play to our level, but we know moving forward it's real now," Marsh said. "Every game is a good game, so we have to do more."
Michigan WR Andrew Marsh:
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) September 19, 2026
"I feel like we've gotten better and better each week, and we're just now starting to play our ball, play to our level. But we know moving forward it's real now. Every game is a good game, so we have to do more."
The rest of Michigan's schedule doesn't leave a lot of room for error
Some may look at Michigan's struggles in the first three games and say it's concerning, but really, I believe it has made them stronger as a team, especially when it comes to dealing with adversity.
While some may say Western Michigan is a "cupcake" opponent, that is a team that won 10 games last season, won the MAC, and returned nearly its entire roster. That was not an easy game, and if the Broncos can take down Boise State this week, it could put them in position to be a favorite for the Group of Six team that tends to make the playoff.
The Oklahoma games weren't easy, especially facing that elite defense, but the offense got it done with a few assists from the defense. It was a slow start vs. UTEP, but after halftime, this looked like the Michigan team everyone expected to see this season.
Now, the road won't be easy from here. Big Ten play will begin this weekend in Ann Arbor with No. 17 Iowa up first, who has the No. 1 defense in the country. Then it's a trip to Minnesota, followed by visits from No. 13 Penn State and No. 6 Indiana. Three of the next four games are against Top 25 teams, and it still won't get much easier from there.
The Wolverines get a small break with games against Rutgers and Michigan State, but then head to Eugene to take on No. 20 Oregon. The final home game of the season will be against UCLA, before what will be the biggest game of the season in Columbus against No. 7 Ohio State.
This schedule leaves no room for mistakes, which Michigan made plenty of in the first three games of the season. Marsh believes that Michigan is hitting its stride, and hopefully they left those mistakes behind and can start off Big Ten play right with a win over Iowa.
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