Michigan football as of now…

Record:  1-1 with a loss to Alabama (14-41) and a win against Air Force (31-25).

Alright, maybe that is what was to be expected after two games.  A win against the defending national champions may have been too much to ask, and rightfully so.  Yet, all is not addressed with just one glance at the win-loss record.

The Good

• After a less than spectacular game from Denard Robinson against Alabama, he rebounded with a magnificent performance by throwing for over 200 yards, rushing for over 200 yards, and accounting for four total touchdowns.
• Devin Gardner seems to have made a seamless transition from quarterback to wide receiver, as he has proven to be the most reliable receiver thus far.

The Not So Good

• Other than Denard Robinson, the running game seems to be nonexistent.  Fitzgerald Toussaint was a non-factor in his first game back from suspension, running for just eight yards on seven carries.
• Where is the defense?  Giving up 66 points in the first two games is not what defensive coordinator Greg Mattison had in mind, and that defense better get shaped up before Big Ten conference play kicks in.

The Overall Take

This Michigan team has the potential to compete with any team in the Big Ten.  Right now, the biggest obstacles between Michigan and a Big Ten Championship seem to be Michigan State, Ohio State, and possibly Wisconsin.  Nebraska could also prove to be tough in Big Ten play.  Although the potential is there, consistency must be there as well.  If the defense can shape up with an improved rushing offense to complement Denard’s talents, there can be a run to a Big Ten Championship.  At the moment, it does not seem as if the Wolverines are quite there.  Can they make the adjustments necessary to win consistently?  We will have to wait and see.

By:  Brandon Klein

(Photo by MGoBlog under a Creative Commons License)