3 things to get Michigan football back on track vs Arkansas State

1. Stick to what got you here

Michigan football has become the dominant program they are by going back to old school roots of running the ball and playing great defense. I would like to see them do just that this weekend against Arkansas State. They may have the opportunity to out-athlete the Red Wolves at just about every position but that will not be the case when they play in USC in two weeks and also when they play the Buckeyes in late November.

We have heard a lot about this team needs to find its identity and if they are going to win a Big Ten championship, it is going to happen by being a run-first offense that plays great defense. I would love an offensive game plan that is focused on ball control, short third downs, and play-action pass. Go back to being Michigan.

2. Tackle better and play with enthusiasm defensively

It sounds incredibly basic but that is the point. Good tackling teams are usually the best teams. Mike Sainristil did not miss tackles last year and he had one of the best defensive seasons by a Michigan football player in a long time.

There were far too many missed tackles in the game against Texas that led to first downs, touchdowns or short third downs. This team can be a great unit if they tackle consistently. There is simply too much talent on their defense to not be a great unit. However, if you don't do the basic things at a high level, then all the other attributes they have won't matter. Keep the foundation solid and the house will be strong.

The other key attribute I would like to see from this defense is a Jim Harbaugh favorite, play with enthusiasm. I am not questioning the effort of the unit vs Texas but after a game like that, it seems like this season can go one of two ways. They either lack that enthusiasm or they come out with something to prove and play with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. There is no reason they shouldn't dominate Arkansas State and I expect they will.

3. Stick together

Jim Harbaugh said last years team was the most connected team he has ever been a part of. That team went through a ton of adversity last year but they never flinched. This team has already been faced with adversity this season losing the way they did last week. When times are tough, it can create separation. This program was built on staying together through thick and thin and it's more important now than ever. I expect the guys to rally behind Coach Moore and have each other's backs.