Michigan Football: What You Should and Shouldn't Be Concerned About After Week 2

Michigan’s inability to win meaningful games on the road—or in general—certainly tops the list of concerns after Week 2’s disastrous 31-0 submarining Saturday night at the hands of Notre Dame.

And after a 2013 Devin Gardner rewind, the Wolverines absolutely have questions at quarterback. While effective in spurts, the fifth-year senior reverted to his mistake-prone ways by throwing three passes to the other guys. However, he was able to connect with Devin Funchess for 107 yards, which seems to be the only remotely positive takeaway from the loss. 

Is there enough to work with in No. 98, or should coach Brady Hoke reconsider personnel? Sure, technically, it was only one game, as Gardner said to MLive.com’s Nick Baumgardner and Brendan F. Quinn, but it was much more than that to everyone else.

It was an embarrassing way to close the chapter on the once-storied rivalry.

“You know what? Twelve games,” Jack Miller, the center, said to MLive.com. “Eleven-and-one is not too bad. That’s the goal now. As long as the leadership is on-point, I think we can keep that going for the young guys.”

Michigan won the series, 24-16-1, but the Irish had the last laugh. And it'll take more than "leadership" to win games. The consistent execution of play calls will have something to do with the outcome, too. 

Questions and Concerns Regarding Team 135                                     

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Defending the Middle vs. Run

Just like in Week 1, Greg Mattison’s defense had difficulty plugging the middle. Given the talent and proclaimed development, that’s unacceptable. Mattison would probably be the first to say that. 

The linebackers looked lost, allowing for the Irish’s Cam McDaniel, Greg Bryant and Tarean Folston to set up Everett Golson’s passes to near perfection.

Rushing for just 54 yards, Notre Dame hit the Wolverines with McDaniel in the first quarter…

…up the middle for a one-yard game-opening touchdown. Effective strikes, as in quality, not quantity, reigned supreme for coach Brian Kelly's No. 16-ranked squad. 

Despite surrendering six points where it hurts, the defense held together during most of the first half. But shutting down the run only tempted Golson to go to the air, which he did well, and often.

The defense won't last long in the Big Ten if it can't absorb ground shots to the core. 

Can the O-Line Create for Gardner and RBs?

At times, the offensive line didn’t look all that bad.

Gardner faced a lot of pressure, but he was afforded plenty of time—in several cases—to make poor choices with the ball. Whether it was a careless handle on a fumble or an interception, Gardner’s ball security is again in question—just like it was in 2013, when he threw eight picks in his first 108 attempts.

He has three through 46 tries this season.

Wolverines running backs have failed to produce desired results against quality competition. Other than spurts against Ohio State in 2013, Derrick Green and De’Veon Smith just haven’t proved to be consistent. Of course, they combined for an outstanding 285 yards and three scores in Week 1 against Appalachian State.

But that was Appalachian State. They combined for 55 yards and 20 carries against the Irish. 

Team 135’s O-line is what it is. It’ll either find ways to create holes for backs and more protection for Gardner, or it’ll be a significant contributor to what could be a bumpy ride this fall.

No Worries Elsewhere?

It’s Week 2, and the entire team has taken a gigantic step backward. There isn’t anything that fans, coaches and players shouldn’t worry about. Worry about special teams: Matt Wile missed two field goals in the first half this past Saturday. 

Worry about Jabrill Peppers' condition, as it sounds like the coaching staff won't offer much in that regard. Also worry about Raymon Taylor and Funchess, who each left the game with bumps and bruises. 

It’s evident that Michigan’s Week 1 trouncing of the Mountaineers can be discarded as anything but a win over a lesser opponent. It didn't prove anything. It wasn't proof of progression. 

That was supposed to be Week 2 versus Notre Dame. Were your questions answered? Your suspicions confirmed? 

Michigan faces Miami (Ohio) this Saturday at The Big House in Ann Arbor. Which team will show up then? 

Follow Bleacher Report’s Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81