[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his past weekend, the state of Michigan took center stage for perhaps the best game of the year.
In what will go down as one of the best finishes all-time in sports, Michigan State escaped with a 27-23 victory over Michigan on a “return-six” fumble recovery for the game-winning touchdown.
Now that the dust has settled and Michigan is now 5-2 and two games back in the west division of the Big Ten behind MSU and Ohio State at 2-1, let’s take a look at five things we learned from the “Rivalry of the Mitten.”
Not championship material yet
For the better part of the last half-decade, Michigan struggled taking care of business against weaker competition. They’ve been better this season as they flexed their muscle against lesser opponents.
However, the Wolverines continue to struggle against top-10 caliber teams as they did with Utah and MSU this past weekend. Although U-M took away the run, Conner Cook was able to go off for 328 yards and several big plays down the field. Michigan doesn’t have that luxury, as Jake Rudock struggled again finishing with 168 yards passing.
The Wolverines need to be more consistent against better opponents on both sides of the ball moving forward, or it would be tough to validate the notion that they are supposedly back if they can’t win the big game. Rudock is what he is, but he isn’t built to be the quarterback to go out and win a game, as his strength is built off everything around him going right.
The big boys such as a MSU with Conner Cook make big plays at crucial times and Michigan just doesn’t have that yet. Until they do, they can’t be considered a playoff-contender just yet.
The defense has kinks in its armor
You can’t take away the fact that the U-M defense looked dominant in forcing three straight shutouts and holding opponents scoreless for 15 straight quarters heading into the MSU game. After holding the Spartans scoreless in the first quarter, the Wolverines allowed a touchdown in the final three periods.
Although U-M took away the run with LJ Scott finishing with just 16 yards, Conner Cook was able to go off for 328 yards and several big plays down the field.
Against better receivers, U-M struggled to defend the deep ball and adjusting at the highest point of the ball. Matched against Jourdan Lewis most of the game, Aaron Burbridge went off for nine catches for 132 yards. The secondary also gave up a 74-yard completion from Cook to Trevon Pendleton that helped set up the score to close the gap to 23-21 in the fourth quarter.
Their final five opponents have offenses led by QB’s that could provide similar problems in Indiana (Nate Sudfield), Penn State (Christian Hackenburg) and Ohio State (J.T. Barrett or Cardale Jones, pick your poison), the Michigan secondary will need to step up in support of a furious defensive line that remains the most consistent unit on the team.
No offense, but Peppers is best available option
Michigan’s best athlete, safety/kick returner Jabrill Peppers finally made his debut against the Spartans on offense, bothering MSU enough to make them take two time-outs before a snap was taken. Although he had two carries for 35 yards, including on a sweep that showcased his lightning speed to set up a touchdown.
As the offense continues to struggle finding a balance and identity, U-M clearly needs a spark on the unit and it’s clear that Peppers might just be what the doctor ordered. There is always the potential for fireworks when he gets the ball on special teams, thus resulting in many teams punting away or not allowing a return in most instances.
His presence clearly attracts opposing defenses attention, so it will be interesting to see whether offensive coordinator Tim Drevno will expand his role on the unit moving forward.
The run game grounded
After their matchup against Utah, the Wolverines rushed for at least 198 yards in five straight games. The Spartans were having none of it with a stout defensive line led by All-American Shilique Calhoun.
Usually in the U-M/MSU saga, whoever wins the battle of the ground attack usually comes away with the victory. Both defenses didn’t give much up in the run and Michigan finished on-top with just 62 yards rushing while the Spartans tallied just 58 yards.
However, the Wolverines weren’t able to pick up the biggest yards of the game on a 3rd and 3 with 48 seconds left in the game that would have sealed the deal on a victory. In games against bigger opposition, U-M needs better blocking in those critical situations.
Harbaugh isn’t perfect
Many Michigan fans have deemed Jim Harbaugh has the second coming of the Messiah since his arrival to Ann Arbor in January. The closest thing to perfection has only been the Holy Son himself.
Harbaugh has his imperfections as we all do and the final play of the contest erased any notions by the Wolverine fan base that he can do no wrong.
He failed to recognize or react to the formation that the Spartans took on the U-M punt with 10 seconds left, sending 10 defenders at the punter and leaving one behind the line.
With only five linemen to defend the rush and four sent downfield, this left two outside defenders exposed to take advantage and block the punt, it was eventually returned 38 yards for the game winning TD by MSU’s Jalen Watts-Jackson.
Much of U-M’s success this year has been Harbaugh’s relentless approach to paying attention to detail. His philosophy bit him in the rear on that play and if the Wolverines plan on taking that next step, a closer look needs to be taken on the little things.
