Michigan Manhandles BYU
It is probably far too early in the season to make any sweeping proclamations about the state of a program that went 5-7 last year, but Saturday's win against BYU was the type of performance that Wolverine fans have been craving for years. It is not unfair to say that the win by Michigan was a complete and total domination over the No. 22 ranked team in the country.
Defensively, it was as impressive a performance as one could ask for. Michigan held BYU to just over 100 yards of total offense (with a chunk of those yards coming late in the game when Michigan substituted out its starters). At one point during the first half, Michigan forced 4 consecutive "3 and Outs" against the Cougars. Michigan was constantly in BYU's backfield and never allowed the Cougars to develop any momentum.
Offensively, Ruddock looked more calm than he has previously this year and delivered on-time and accurate passes. The offensive line continues to improve each and every week. And the running game has been solidified by De'Veon Smith including this ridiculous touchdown run:
Michigan now enters the AP Top-25 as the No. 22 team in the country. They are building respect nationwide, but they need to continue to play with a sense they are the underdog. They are. They need to win in order to regain the type of national respect that Michigan has been accustom to. That requires signature wins against their rivals. Michigan heads back on the road this week for a night game against Maryland. The Terrapins were throttled by West Virginia this past weekend. Michigan needs to win these games in order to keep building momentum for the rest of the year.
But this past Saturday, man, that was fun.
Defensively, it was as impressive a performance as one could ask for. Michigan held BYU to just over 100 yards of total offense (with a chunk of those yards coming late in the game when Michigan substituted out its starters). At one point during the first half, Michigan forced 4 consecutive "3 and Outs" against the Cougars. Michigan was constantly in BYU's backfield and never allowed the Cougars to develop any momentum.
Offensively, Ruddock looked more calm than he has previously this year and delivered on-time and accurate passes. The offensive line continues to improve each and every week. And the running game has been solidified by De'Veon Smith including this ridiculous touchdown run:
This is an unaltered look at Michigan’s amazing run yesterday: http://t.co/MiOtuaIbRe pic.twitter.com/JZwfgh5Y6C
— SB Nation (@SBNation) September 27, 2015
There is a definite buzz inside Michigan Stadium this year. Early on, it was due solely to the arrival of Jim Harbaugh, who still receives the loudest ovation when the starting lineups are announced. But now, the buzz is being generated primarily by the play on the field. The players are playing the game at a level which hasn't been seen in the last few years. Crisp plays and hard tackling excite the 108,000 people who have watched the from their seats for the last three weeks. Michigan now enters the AP Top-25 as the No. 22 team in the country. They are building respect nationwide, but they need to continue to play with a sense they are the underdog. They are. They need to win in order to regain the type of national respect that Michigan has been accustom to. That requires signature wins against their rivals. Michigan heads back on the road this week for a night game against Maryland. The Terrapins were throttled by West Virginia this past weekend. Michigan needs to win these games in order to keep building momentum for the rest of the year.
But this past Saturday, man, that was fun.
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