Michigan Football: Surprises, Disappointments So Far for 2014 Wolverines

Michigan hasn't been the Michigan that followers of Team 135 expected to witness this fall.

Through four games, the Wolverines (2-2) haven't appeared to show much promise. The effort seems to be there. Brady Hoke, the head coach, has raved about his players' attitudes and work ethics. 

The same has been true for offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, who have each seen "great things" on their sides of the ball but have yet to see desired results. 

On Monday, the three coaches emphasized that this season isn't over. They know about the disappointed fans. They seem genuinely surprised that things have gone down this path too. They're just as uncomfortable as the fans in stand. 

They want more for their team, each of them said in one way or another Monday. 

Not-So-Dominant Doug (Nussmeier offense)

In its weekly stat packet given to the media, Michigan continues to boast about being 10-of-10 in the red zone. However, that doesn't tell the entire story. Six of those attempts came against Appalachian State—which the Wolverines beat 52-14 in Week 1—and the other four came against Miami (Ohio), which lost 34-10 at The Big House in Week 3.

During Week 4's loss to Utah, Team 135 didn't reach the red zone. It failed to do so during its 31-0 loss to Notre Dame in Week 2. The stat packet should read that Michigan has pierced the opponent's 20 in 50 percent of its games. That's more accurate and points to the true nature of the offense, which has yet to get the job done.

During the first half Saturday, Michigan reached the Utes 24- and 36-yard lines. In the second, it barely penetrated 10 yards into their territory.

Percentages and tendencies surrounding the offense could be discussed, sure. But there's not much to say. The running backs aren't contributing much at all, and the O-line appears to have regressed since 2013. The Wolverines are certainly feeling the rapture without Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield manning the tackle spots. 

A one-dimensional, Devin Funchess-exclusive passing game has Nussmeier running in place. Given the opportunity and resources, it's clear that receivers such as Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson can make the grade and produce.

But they need a quarterback who can precisely deliver the ball. 

That quarterback is not Devin Gardner. 

It seems as if Nussmeier, who once called the shots for a high-powered Alabama offense, will be forced to make hard decisions regarding personnel this week. Back on media day, Shane Morris said that he was "100 percent ready" to take on the starting role. Could the 6'4", 218-pound sophomore get the call against the Gophers? 

Yeah. It sounds like that could easily happen. 

Greg Mattison's Defense is Good, but...

Tony Ding/Associated Press/Associated Press

Solid numbers back the defense, but it's overshadowed by a horrid offense. That was the case in 2013, and it appears as 2014 could be worse, making Mattison's defense all the more vital to success. 

Running on the Wolverines hasn't come easy. Opponents have broken just a pair of big gains on the ground, and that's something to build upon. Utah's Bubba Poole burst for 24, and Appalachian State's Terrence Upshaw gouged for 27. But Notre Dame's backfield was stopped, held to a paltry 54 yards on the ground. 

Mattison's unit has allowed just 1.83 yards per carry during the past three games. In terms of total defense, his guys are No. 1 in the Big Ten and No. 8 nationally. It even helped out Saturday, as all 6'3" and 293 pounds of Willie Henry produced a touchdown after a seven-yard interception. 

So what gives? 

Michigan's offense, that's what. 

It's disappointing to see so many solid defensive efforts go to waste. It's a surprise that the offense is this ineffective, and it's both to see the results on the field each weekend. 

Jake Ryan Looks Human

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press/Associated Press/Associated Press

Devontae Booker juked Ryan out of his shoes (not literally) during the second half of Utah's 26-10 slamming of Michigan. Ryan's 13 tackles (seven solo) led the team, but he's yet to take firm command of his defense. However, the reliable senior is still familiarizing himself with his new position, middle linebacker, so he probably deserves a slight break. 

Still, though; he's not yet the Jake Ryan of old. Not yet, anyway. That's both a huge disappointment and a surprise. Most thought he'd be be one of the nation's elite linebackers at this stage of his career. As of now, he's trying to stay afloat while his teammates try to wind themselves a little tighter. 

Secondary Shock? 

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

At one point, cornerback Jourdan Lewis had dropped on the depth chart. He hasn't been perfect, but he's now playing like a true starter rather than an option.

Hoofing it from across the field and well behind the play, Lewis saved a sure six points on Saturday when he tackled Poole, who took a screen pass 67 yards to the left before being stopped at Michigan's 25.

Due to Lewis' incredible motor, the Wolverines held Utah to a field goal instead of giving up a 90-yard-plus touchdown. 

During his postgame presser Saturday, Hoke suggested that not writing about that play would be a disservice to Lewis. And Hoke's right. Lewis deserves credit for not only maintaining a high level of competition but, more simply, showing that he cares about the outcome regardless of circumstances. A lot of guys can't (or won't) make that tackle. 

Team 135's secondary isn't in a state of disrepair. It still has leaders such as cornerback Blake Countess to help guide the way. Due to strange luck and a couple of dings, Peppers has yet to make a real impact in the backfield, and that's been considerably more surprising than Lewis' recent rise. 

On Monday, Countess said he's confident in his teammates, which, of course, is a positive. He still believes the defensive backfield can be a strength for Michigan and expects more from himself and others as the Wolverines enter Big Ten play. 

Countess expressing confidence isn't a surprise, nor does it disappoint. He's supposed to confident. This year's secondary is easily the deepest Michigan's had in more than a decade. But given the circumstances, it's a surprise and disappointment that it's come to this: One of the best DBs in the nation reassuring an angry mob of fans that everything's going to be OK.

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

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references to were obtained firsthand by the writer.