ANN ARBOR, Michigan-I can’t begin to tell you what I went through to watch one of the most predictable games that will be played all season in College Football. Did Michigan win the game? Yes. Was the defense stifling against the run game? Yes. Did the offense come out flat against a lesser opponent and produce a collective groan throughout Michigan Stadium? You betcha. Well while you were in the comfort of your own home mowing down some buffalo chicken dip and your favorite “Oktoberfest” beverage, I was walking uphill in Ann Arbor through a damn monsoon. There really is nothing better than a self deprecating walk during a thunderstorm, to go sit in a press box through a rain delay to watch Michigan play MARYLAND. To all you guys that were dragged to your significant other’s family event today and had to miss the game, boy did you all luck out; this was the game to miss.
Don’t get me wrong; the Wolverines took some steps forward today. It seems like Jim Harbaugh is finally letting Shea Patterson loose. The kid went 19-for-27 for 282 yds and three touchdowns. Karan Higdon rushed for over 100 yds and broke 2,000 on for his career total. The offensive line’s pass protection has gotten significantly better since getting manhandled in South Bend, not allowing a sack all game. Oh and one more thing…BEN MASON HURDLED A GUY! If you’re not aware, he’s a 6-3 254 lb FULLBACK. It was the highlight of the game; he immediately goes down in history as the most athletic fullback in history and will forever be a “football guy”. Who says fullbacks are extinct?
In a press conference that was filled with questions about “development” in this team, the only question that really sticks out is whether or not they are ready to play a tough opponent in Wisconsin. Obviously Harbaugh says they are, and I think he may be right. The offense looked much less archaic and I think Patterson will be fully unleashed next week. If Harbaugh wishes to have a playoff contender, he needs the offense to be explosive right out of the gates, and never take the foot off the gas. The defense is first in the country in terms of yds allowed per game, and Alex Hornibrook for the Badgers makes the hearts of his fans stop every time he drops back to pass. Rashan Gary sat out today’s game for precautionary reasons but will most likely play next week; they’ll need him. Next week’s kick-off is set for 7:30 and is sure to be the best atmosphere the Big House will see all season long. For all of you guys that have obligations NEXT week and have to miss the game, I’ll pour one out for you.