Even though it was just a 21-18 win over Penn State, one of the last winless teams in the Big Ten, it feels like the Michigan football team is in a much better place.
Of course, everything feels better when you win. That feeling could go away quickly this week against Indiana, the defending national champions, who are fresh off a loss.
It will be a huge challenge, and yes, Curt Cignetti knows that Carr is going to be the starting quarterback unless Kyle Whittingham really is going to throw everyone a curveball.
We will have plenty of time to look ahead to the Indiana game, but looking back at the win over Penn State, here is stock up and stock down.
Stock up
Tommy Carr
The true freshman quarterback completed 5 of 7 passes for 47 yards. He had two rushing touchdowns and led the Wolverines the three scoring drives.
Carr, the grandson of former Michigan football head coach Lloyd Carr, put himself in position to start this week. He wasn't spectacular. Carr also avoided big mistakes. Will he able to do that for an entire game against Indiana?
We shall see, but he went from the backup to probbale starter, so his stock is up.
Savion Hiter
Another freshman coming off probably his best game as a Wolverine. Hiter, a five-star just like Bryce Underwood, had a 40-yard run last week, his first of more than 20 yards for Michigan football.
Hiter had 11 carries for 78 yards. Give the man some stretch plays, because the offensive line showed it can still block those, so let Hiter eat. (Jordan Marshall, too).
Michigan will have to run the ball well against Indiana to win. It won't be easy, but Hiter is the kind of guy who can always find a way to get yards, especially if Jason Beck puts him in a position to succeed.
The offensive line
Michigan used more inside runs than it has all season in the second half against Penn State. There was still plenty of the Rhino, but it wasn't the formation on the Wolverines three longest runs.
Bryson Kuzdal and Hiter both had 40-yard runs in the second half. Tommy Carr also had an explosive run, giving the Wolverines three, plus 175 yards on the ground. That's the kind of production you expected to see from Michigan's run game all season.
This group will need to have its best game of the season against Indiana.
Stock down
Bryce Underwood
Underwood was benched for the second half against Penn State. Carr should get the start on Saturday. That doesn't mean Bryce will never play again for the Wolverines.
I'd still like to see Michigan build a small package of plays he can get comfortable running, like the Orji package, but with someone who can actually throw the ball downfield
The cornerbacks
Chase Sowell went for 11 receptions last week for the Nittany Lions. Jyaire Hill was beaten quite a few times. Smith Snowden also didn't have the best game. You wonder if there's a reason Michigan added a former All-Mountain West cornerback from Boise State.
It didn't seem that long ago that we were talking about the cornerback room being one of the best in college football. It didn't feel that way on Saturday. You have to hope that entire group plays better against Nick Marsh, Charlie Becker, and Indiana.
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