The Wolverines will begin their Big Ten conference slate of games by hosting the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at the Big House today.
After starting the season 3-0, many would argue that this year’s group has shown more than a few flashes of what could be a national title-winning squad, but after last week’s middling 31-6 performance against Bowling Green, one could also make a case that this team is overdue for more challenging opposition before any declarations are made so boldly. Especially after last year’s stunning defeat to TCU in the College Football Playoffs semifinal.
Through the first three games, Michigan has employed a revolving cache of its coaching staff to fill the role of head coach while the NCAA-embattled Jim Harbaugh served a three-game suspension imposed by the program itself. That journey came to an end last Saturday at the conclusion of the team’s matchup with Bowling Green. Harbaugh’s return to the role introduces another element of pressure for the Wolverines, who entered the season ranked No. 2 in the nation by the Associated Press and have held that spot with little trepidation.
After being near perfect in Michigan’s first two games, quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) threw three interceptions against Bowling Green at the Big House. (Tony Patroske/The Pit Media)
After the Bowling Green win, in which quarterback JJ McCarthy recorded three interceptions (he had none in the prior two games), the junior was asked if those mistakes weighed on him during the game.
“No. No matter what – if it’s a great throw or an interception, I’m always gonna move on and stay in the present moment,” he said. “It just didn’t go well after the first one. So I’ve just gotta look at the tape and see what I can do better.”
Just moments later, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins was asked about the critical interception he made on Falcons quarterback Hayden Timosciek early in the second half – which set up an easy 2-yard touchdown run for Blake Corum that put Michigan up 21-6.
“We had been practicing that play all week,” Jenkins said. “We knew they would get after us on the screens when they had opportunities. So when the opportunity presented itself, the offensive line got out quick, I saw the moment, saw the back, so I backed up. Did my read, and fortunately I was able to get a Madden opportunity – but unfortunately I was too fat to finish strong.”
Corum, the calm and charismatic voice of this offense, was quick to reply, “I appreciate it.”
This is what supporters of the program have come to value about the team in the Harbaugh era. It’s one thing to be well-coached, thorough in preparation, and able to produce in key moments on the field, but it’s another to remain grounded and steady when cracks in the armor start to show. And while Michigan’s confidence is surely fortified to a great degree by claiming back-to-back wins against Ohio State in one of the nation’s most fervent rivalries, that bar is moving upwards.
Whether or not a returning Jim Harbaugh and a team with more experience and poise than we can recall in recent memory can clear it, is a whole other question entirely.
Michigan hosts Rutgers today with a noon ET kickoff.
