Report Card: Grading Michigan football in a 31-7 win over Rutgers
Grading Michigan football in all facets of a 31-7 win over Rutgers in the Big Ten opener. The Wolverines were good defensively after a tough start and picked it up offensively in the second half — as they generally have over the last few years. But there’s room for improvement in many facets, starting up front on offense.
RELATED: Michigan 31, Rutgers 7: Notes, quotes, and observations
Michigan rushing offense: B-
The Michigan offense put up 201 yards on the ground, but the line wasn’t exactly blowing the Rutgers front off the ball. Senior running back Blake Corum (91 yards) noted the Scarlet Knights had an extra defender in the box much of the time, but that’s going to be the norm now. The push was inconsistent, and at times the backs impatient. A third of Corum’s 21 carries were of what Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh calls the “inefficient” variety, 3 yards or less (not counting the two short-yardage plays).
Michigan junior Donovan Edwards continues to struggle (6 carries, 13 yards). Only a late barrage from veteran Kalel Mullings (6 carries, 40 yards with the game no longer in doubt) and junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s runs (7 for 51 yards) made this look better than it would have.
Passing offense: B+
It wasn’t exactly an explosive downfield attack (again) — we’re still waiting for a receiver to beat a cornerback deep 1-on-1 — but McCarthy was on point with many of his throws, and the coaches got creative. A chunk play out of the backfield to Edwards (33 yards) and a double flea-flicker to Michigan sophomore tight end Colston Loveland (5 catches, 75 yards) for 35 were highlights. McCarthy got his mojo back after last week’s 3-interception game against Bowling Green, the worst of his career. Five different Wolverines caught passes from McCarthy (15-of-21, 214 yards, 1 touchdown), who was sacked twice, however, and pressured several more times.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
DJ Lagway
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- 2
Dylan Raiola injury
Nebraska QB will play vs. USC
- 3
Elko pokes at Kiffin
A&M coach jokes over kick times
- 4New
SEC changes course
Alcohol sales at SEC Championship Game
- 5
Bryce Underwood
Michigan prepared to offer No. 1 recruit $10.5M over 4 years
Michigan rushing defense: A-
The Michigan defense had some early trouble with quarterback Gavin Wimsatt on designed running plays, allowing 45 yards rushing total in the first quarter alone (25 from Wimsatt). They made adjustments and tightened up to give up only 32 yards the rest of the way, including 4 total in the defining second and third quarters. Rutgers back Kyle Monangai managed only 27 yards on 11 carries, including 10 on one run, and never got going. As Harbaugh noted, the run wall was very good once again, even without injured sophomore defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Passing defense: B+
The Michigan defense gave up a 69-yard touchdown on the first third down it faced to open the game, and it came against a rusty Rod Moore. It was still good to see the junior safety back out there, however — he’ll improve. Beyond that, it took some outstanding throws and catches for Wimsatt just to get 10 more receptions and 111 more yards against the Michigan secondary. The pass rush was neutralized, for the most part — no sacks, though there were some pressures and many times in which Rutgers was in max protection — but overall, the secondary played very well.
Michigan special teams: B
A delay of game penalty negated a 37-yard James Turner field goal — he’d miss the subsequent 42-yarder — and punt returner Jake Thaw didn’t catch a punt near the sideline he should have corralled. The result was a 75-yarder that rolled inside the 10. Sophomore Tyler Morris replaced him and made a nice grab on a short punt later. Michigan junior Tommy Doman only punted once, but his kickoffs were deep and effective again. Frosh receiver Semaj Morgan did make a bad decision on a kick return he should have let go into the end zone, with a drive starting at the 10 as a result.
