Pre Game

The current head coach of Utah, Kyle Whittingham is 2-0 against Michigan.

RECAP:

Michigan’s second half rally not enough to Overcome Utah

Michigan’s second half rally was not enough to beat Utah, but it was an indication of good things to come.

The Harbaugh era at Michigan opened with a loss to Utah marking the third straight loss for Harbaugh in a college opener.  It was also Michigan’s third straight loss to Utah.  Despite a second half rally, Michigan was not able to overcome a costly fourth quarter interception returned for a touchdown by Utah.

              Michigan outgained Utah 355 yards to 337 with 279 of those yards coming through the air, also more than Utah.  Utah led the rushing game with 129 yards to Michigan’s 76.  The teams tied with 20 first down’s a piece and were only one minute and 22 seconds apart in time of possession with Michigan leading that department.

              The real story was Michigan’s starting quarterback who was unknown until Rudock took the field on Michigan’s first possession.  Rudock took the offense into Utah’s red zone before his pass, intended for Grant Perry, was intercepted by Utah’s Corey Butler-Byrd on the Utah 14.  Three plays later, Utah would punt. 

              Michigan would score on the ensuing drive.  A big 28 yard reception by Amara Darboh set Michigan up for a 29 yard field goal by Kenny Allen.  Utah would punch in the first touchdown of the game on their next drive. 

              The first half ended with Utah leading 10 to 3.  Michigan showed signs of life moving the ball into Utah territory many times but too often their drives ended without points.  The second half would be a slightly different story. 

              Michigan opened the second half with a 49 yard drive that ended with a missed field goal.  Utah would score the games second touchdown the next drive.  Michigan responded well on their next drive putting their first touchdown of the game.  The drive looked to be dead after an incomplete pass to Darboh and then only a one yard scamper by Rudock to the Utah 34.  Rudock would be hit while running out of bounds by Utah’s Gionni Paul.  The personal foul added 15 yards to the run and a first down.  The next play Rudock showed the first big sign of Michigan’s new found toughness by tossing a risky 19 yard pass to Jake Butt who was in double coverage for most of the game.

              Rudock would be picked off for the third time by Justin Thomas who would run 55 yards for a touchdown.  Again Rudock showed resiliency by taking Michigan 80 yards in nine plays in just under two minutes and a touchdown pass to Darboh. 

              Michiga’s onside kick attempt would fail and Utah took a knee to end the game at 24-17 and hand Harbaugh his first loss as Michigan head coach.  Rudock finished 27 of 43 for 279 yards, a pair of touchdowns and a trio of interceptions.  De’Veon Smith led the rushing attack with 17 carries for 47 yards.  Darboh and Butt tied with eight receptions a piece.  Darboh had 101 yards and a touchdown, and Butt had 93 yards and a touchdown.  

              Harbaugh’s Wolverine’s looked disconcertingly similar to last year’s Wolverines at times.  The difference was Michigan’s speed and confidence.  The mistakes were mostly miscommunications that can be worked out.  The defense was solid, holding Utah to only 337 yard total offense. 

What was perhaps one of the more exciting features of Michigan’s offense was how quickly plays developed.  Particularly Michigan was far better at executing the screen pass against Utah than they were in 2014.  Last year, the screen pass almost always ended in a loss.  Against Utah, it almost always gained at least five yards, sometimes even a first down. 

Fans will be upset and impatient.  It’s understandable since it was 2012 when Michigan football looked like the Michigan football of old.  It’s hard to tell how long it will take but if the season opener is any indication, it shouldn’t take long to correct the miscommunications and tighten up the defense.