What Was Learned From The Michigan-Utah Game

OK, so the first game didn't live up to expectations and Michigan lost to a MWC opponent. Rich Rodriguez is already feeling the heat from the Michigan faithful the day after Michigan lost a second consecutive season opener for the first time since the Berlin Wall came down.

Give the guy a break, though. Lets be honest, he didn't exactly enjoy the honeymoon period most coaches enjoy when coming to a new program. Rodriguez however, had the opportunity to chase those West Virginia demons away with a season opening win. Now he has a new set of demons to deal with.

Hey, at least these are the demons Rodriguez knows how to fight.

We learned a lot from the Wolverines season opening loss, here's what we can take away from it.

1.) Steven Threet should be the starting quarterback for the immediate future

It was easy to see why Rodriguez went with Nick Sheridan to start the game. Sheridan's mobility, however average it is, still gave Michigan somewhat of a dual-threat option at quarterback.

Sheridan however looked uncomfortable running the ball, and finished with a dreadful five yards on eight carries. Not that its fair to blame Sheridan for the loss, but his interception at the end of the first half, cost Michigan a chance to take the lead.

Steven Threet, however, showed that his arm is superior to Sheridan's and his big play potential is also greater. Threet was more poised in the pocket, and although he needs to work on his accuracy, he gives Michigan the best chance to win.

2.) The run game has taken a step back

It was immediatly evident that Jake Long's absence from the O-line is going to hurt. Michigan has a plethora of running back talent but it was all for naught as run attempt after attempt hit a brick wall.

YouTube sensation Sam McGuffie was perhaps the biggest letdown gaining only eight yards on eight carries.

Brandon Minor was the leading rusher, rushing three times for zero yards and once for 21.

McGuffie, Minor, Brown, and Shaw each bring something different to the table and Rodriguez didn't stick with any of them for a consistent amount of time. But regardless of which one wins the starting job, it is the O-line that needs to improve their blocking in a hurry.

Utah, after all isn't exactly known as a defensive powerhouse and a Michigan team only gaining 36 total rushing them is flat out embarrassing.

3.) The defense needs to step up

Before this game even started, it should have been well known that the defense would have to carry this team through the first few games at least.

Michigan's defense instead allowed Utah to run and pass all over them in the first half. In fact Utah averaged over seven yards a play.

Michigan locked down in the second half, however, becoming the defense they were expected to be. They shut down Utah quarterback Brian Johnson, sacking him six times and picking him off once.

It came too late though and put the pressure on a very young offense that had 4-5 freshmen on the field at certain points. That's not a good recipe for victory.

Simply put, the defense needs to have their second half effort against Utah for an entire game or Michigan isn't winning many games this season.

4.) Special Teams cannot be underestimated

Utah can hammer this point home more than most teams in the FBS. They don't come much better than Louie Sakoda.

Sakoda hit field goals from 28, 41, and 43 yards, and then a 53 yarder that would have been good from 60.

He also nailed a 60 yard punt at a crucial point in the game with Utah punting from well within their red-zone.

Michigan had their big plays on special teams as well. KC Lopata hit a 50 yard field goal in the first quarter—among his career longest. Michigan also blocked a Utah punt in the fourth quarter, giving the Wolverines a chance to come back.

5.) This team needs time to grow

Before we all go jumping off the RR bus and questioning the effectiveness of the spread offense, lets put things in perspective.

Last year Michigan was the victim of arguably the biggest upset in college football history. They followed up that stinker by being blown out by Oregon. Both embarrassments were at the Big House (which, to put it lightly has all but lost its intimidation factor it seems).

That wasn't just an 0-2 start, that was the mother of all 0-2 starts. I've re-hashed that memory enough for one article though. The point is, that team finished 9-4, furthering the old adage "Its not how you start, but how you finish that counts."

Michigan seemingly has a gimmie game next with Miami, Ohio. The Wolverines shouldn't take the Redhawks lightly though. Bowling Green has already victimized No. 25 Pittsburgh and the MAC just can't be looked at as pushovers anymore.

Still, this will be the Michigan's biggest break in the schedule for about a month and their best chance to correct some mistakes. Hopefully we'll see some noticeable improvement all around.