Will Jim Harbaugh get his first win at Michigan?
Harbaugh’s debut as the head coach of his alma mater didn’t go according to plan, as the Utes utilized outstanding defense to spoil his fun and win 24-17 over the Wolverines.
Michigan’s senior quarterback Jake Rudock had a miserable afternoon against Utah, which intercepted three of his errant passes. Making matters worse, the team’s rushing attack was impotent, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry while failing to punch the ball into the end zone once.
Harbaugh’s next challenge is to get his team ready for a talented Oregon State program that eased through its Week 1 contest against Weber State, 26-7. He remains confident in Rudock’s ability to lead the offense, despite the quarterback’s rough outing against Utah.
“We all trust Jake,” Harbaugh said (h/t MLive.com). “We expect that to build the more and (get) better each week. He’s earned that. From the coaches and his teammates.”
The one saving grace at it pertains to Michigan’s opener was the team’s ability to shut down Utah’s running game. This will be key if Harbaugh is to get his first win of the season in Week 2, as Oregon State’s dual-threat quarterback Seth Collins leads a potent rushing attack that chewed up five yards per carry last weekend.
Needless to say, the crowd at the Big House will be pumped up long before the opening whistle has been blown. Whether or not the folks in the stands continue to cheer throughout the contest is another question. The Wolverines must play better in all phases of the game to overcome the Beavers on Saturday.
This game is nationally televised on ABC and begins at 12 p.m. ET.