This weekend was largely frustrating for fans. While the Wolverines defeated Maryland, the game was disappointing. It's still early, but a couple of things are clear about this year's team.
The defense still has questions to answer. Every telecast mentions Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo. Their loss is more significant than I anticipated. Jim Harbaugh's safe playcalling only works with an elite defense. You can play the field position when your defense holds. Maryland tore through the Wolverine defense. The team has to blitz to get any pressure. A defense without first-round talent on the d-line can't drop as many players back into coverage. Maryland exposed this weakness on Saturday.
Maryland may be a much-improved team, but from what I've seen, last season may be an anomaly and not the new norm. I'd love nothing more than it to be the standard, but Michigan didn't look good. The rebuild is still in progress. It's difficult to judge a team when they don't play any serious programs before conference play.
Last year, when Michigan defeated Washington, I knew they were legitimate. This year, they have yet to have a defining win. Each season comes with struggles, but I'm withholding judgment until I see something with more weight.
J.J. McCarthy looked nervous in his first Big Ten start. I hope that he settles in next week against Iowa. I owe Cade McNamara an apology for my criticism. The intangibles matter. I undervalued his ability to step up in big games and take care of business in the other games. While McCarthy is more talented, he still has some growing to do. He'll have to keep playing to grow into a leader.
This game is a big test for the Wolverines. Iowa's defense is still elite. So, Michigan can't make the same mistakes this weekend against Iowa. I think Michigan should try to let McCarthy run more. Get him moving out of the pocket. He seems to play better on the run than in the pocket.
Of course, Blake Corum has been our best player this season. I remember he started strong last season, too. The difference this season is that he is running with more power. Hassan Haskins became the primary back as the season progressed because of his consistency. Corum looks primed for a more efficient season. It's not about the big runs. It's about the third down conversions.
Michigan escaped this week. They should have lost. Really. Aside from the fumbled kickoff, the interception (which shouldn't have been), and the 4th down touchdown run before the half, Michigan got outplayed. A few big plays saved them from the upset. This team still has a lot of growing to do. It is not last year. New guys need to step up if the Wolverines want to defeat Ohio State, win the Big Ten, and go to the College Football Playoff.