Highlights, gut reactions to another shaky showing for Michigan football

There were some positive things for Michigan football on Saturday in a 28-18 win over Arkansas State. But there were discouraging things too.

The Wolverines had four rushing touchdowns -- they didn't have any in the first two games. They also rushed for over 200 yards for the first time this season and started to look like Michigan.

Yet, Arkansas State was allowing 6.7 yards per attempt on the ground coming in. Anything less than what happened on Saturday would have been concerning -- almost as concerning as Davis Warren throwing three interceptions before getting pulled for Alex Orji.

Orji did lead a touchdown drive, but his next two drives ended in punts. There were missed throws and reminders of why he hasn't been starting. The offensive line improved and both running backs looked great.

Yet, this was by far the worst run defense on the schedule. It's hard to know if Michigan football will be able to replicate Saturday's performance.

There were good things though such as the touchdown run by Kalel Mullings in the first quarter. It was the kind of explosive run we haven't seen much this season. It was also the first touchdown run of the season for Michigan.

Midway through the second quarter, Donovan Edwards scored his first rushing touchdown of the season, making it 14-3 in favor of Michigan.

Orji's first drive ended with a touchdown pass to Hogan Hansen. It gave you hope, but Orji was just 2-of-4 for 12 yards. He also missed Fred Moore for a wide-open touchdown.

Still, it feels like next week he might get his chance to start against USC and at least he can run the football. With Davis Warren throwing interceptions, it's hard to do anything.

Gut reactions to Michigan football win over Arkansas State

Another shaky effort

I felt good about what Michigan football did in the first half, but the end was disappointing. The Wolverines allowed Arkansas State to score 15 straight to close the game. They also came up empty on two drives deep in Michigan territory.

It could have been much a closer game, which is a very bad sign going into the USC game next week. A win is a win, but the last 15 minutes were a huge disappointment.

The running game got going

Michigan football HAS to be able to run the football this season or they won't be able to move the ball. The offensive line wasn't great, but it was better.

The run blocking seemed pretty good when Greg Crippen was in there at center. However, the coaching staff wouldn't stick with him and frankly, after watching him play a few series, I wonder why he's not the starting center.

It's kind of baffling. Just like it's baffling it took so long to get Kalel Mullings the ball more.

Mullings is RB1

Donovan Edwards looked much better on Saturday. He still didn't get targeted enough in the passing game (one catch for 11 yards) but rushed 17 times for 82 yards.

Yet, Edwards didn't have a run longer than nine yards. Mullings on the other hand ripped off runs of 30 yards and 38 yards. He had 15 carries for 153 yards and it makes it even harder to stomach that he was barely used in the first half against Texas.

Hard to feel good about quarterback

Davis Warren made some nice throws in the first half against Arkansas State. There was a few throws that made me feel like he could handle the job.

But after that interception late in the first half, the wheels fell off. The third interception was the worst in my mind. It was the combination of a bad decision, bad footwork, and a bad throw.

Sherrone Moore went to Alex Orji after that, but Orji was 2-of-4 for 12 yards. Fred Moore was wide open and Orji missed him. Of course, J.J. McCarthy missed a few big throws like that in his career, but at some point, these quarterbacks have to start making routine plays.

They also have to take care of the ball and through three games, the only thing we know about Davis Warren is that he can't do that. Six interceptions in three games isn't going to cut it.

It might be time to roll with an option/zone-read offense. The Wolverines might not have any other choice.

Defense was better but still not up to snuff

The first three quarters looked pretty good but man, if Arkansas State could make a field goal, this might have gotten scary.

Jaylen Raynor averaged just 4.2 yards per pass attempt. Arkansas State didn't get anything going on the ground but Michigan football got just one sack, three tackles for loss, and only had one takeaway.

It was clear they tried to simplify but the defensive front isn't winning as often as expected and the coverage hasn't been great. So if the defensive line isn't great, this defense is just average.