Zen And The Wolverine: Why Michigan Must Be "On" This Year

It's probably too late for most of you, but to get an idea of where the average Michigan fan was emotionally prior to yesterday's blowout win over Western Michigan, you would need to have watched this.

Did you watch it? Because you really need to. It's more than your typical preseason highlight video. Aside from being an honest portrayal of Michigan's lows on offense, defense and special teams in 2008 (and there were many), the video reminded me that sometimes the 2008 team would just, quite suddenly, turn on. (Perhaps the term is "get mojo," but I loathe that word. Let us instead say, "acquire an on-ness.")

The most frustrating losses Michigan suffered saw them peaking in "on-ness" early before watching it fade. In 2008, the Wolverines actually held leads in the first half against Penn State and Michigan State, Northwestern, and Illinois. They jumped out to an early 14-0 lead against Purdue on a punt returned for a touchdown. A late touchdown by Brandon Minor cut Ohio State's lead to 14-7, providing a glimmer of hope.

The offensive explosion promised by Rodriguez's hiring occasionally surfaced on an explosive run or a well-executed bubble screen. But inevitably, the opposing defenses would adjust, and the flow the offense had established would get bottled up with the helpless, often outschemed defense not far behind. Then, the on-ness would recede, replaced by turnovers, impossible down/distances, and poor execution.

Which is why, in 2009, it was refreshing to see that on-ness never truly turned off on Saturday. Not until the game was well out of reach, anyway, and even then the Michigan defense was still forcing turnovers, the offense still picked up yards on the ground from the stocked stable of tailbacks while it bled the clock.

The final number: 242 yards rushing, split between eight ballcarriers, with the most invigorating run coming on a fumbled snap to true freshman Denard Robinson in the first quarter. Fellow true freshman Tate Forcier went 13/20 for 179 yards and three touchdowns against no turnovers, hitting wide receiver Junior Hemingway on a scramble for a touchdown, then going back to Hemingway again for a 44-yard score that saw the freshman hit his receiver perfectly in stride.

Forcier showed no hesitation in keeping the ball on the zone read, including several times when the read was wrong (as they took more and more hits, Michigan's quarterbacks last year showed an ongoing reluctance to keep the ball, allowing defenses to sell out on the running back). In the future, this will aid in opening up running lanes for the tailbacks, even though yesterday it was agonizing to see the kid take so many hits. He's daring and kind of reckless, but he's naturally elusive, and if he can avoid getting hurt it's not out of line to say he might be the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, after having completely redefined the position of the Michigan quarterback.

The defense was spectacular, playing fast and with energy, putting on a thoroughly authoritative show against an offensive attack that seemed well-suited for picking apart the back seven of Michigan, as Utah had in Michigan's last season opener. Fifth-year senior Tim Hiller—who was All-Conference last year—didn't complete a meaningful pass until his Broncos were down 31-0. The Michigan defense forced three turnovers and were allowing 27 yards total until a late drive in the second quarter that ended in a missed field goal for Western.

The defensive line in particular was as dominant or more dominant than expected. End Brandon Graham (55, pictured) was within a half-step of sacking Hiller on multiple occasions. Defensive tackle Mike Martin and true freshman Craig Roh got in for a few sacks, including one late in the second quarter to force a long field goal that missed and preserved the first-half shutout. This was a comforting sight for fans concerned that the offensive line only needed to double-team Graham in order to protect the quarterback.

I'm not going to say Michigan is "back." The ability of this offense to threaten defenses on both sides of the ball lives and dies with Forcier. Fellow true freshman Denard Robinson completed a few bullet passes in short yardage, has a good arm, and can run (see above), but was inconsistent on long throws and lacked communication with his outside receivers on a few notable plays.

Backup Nick Sheridan nicksheridaned a pass into the endzone, by which I mean he made a good read, found an open receiver and threw a ball that got intercepted because of a lack of zip. It was the only moment that made me wince in a game where I was laughing in joy (or weeping; I'm a bit of a weeper when it comes to Michigan football, and I didn't think I'd live to hear Michigan Stadium chant Rodriguez's name or see it look that jazzed ever again after last year).

I will predict that Michigan's success fundamentally relies on its ability to create and maintain an on-ness, specifically by forcing turnovers and turning scrambles and busted plays into positives. That this correlation relies on a practically ephemeral concept doesn't comfort me—and should probably alarm me more, except the reality of college football is that busted plays happen. This year, Michigan can capitalize on them rather than fall victim to them. We have speed and swagger on both sides of the ball, and a talented freshman squad to complement our veterans.

But speed and swagger are no substitutes for depth. Youth on the offense and a lack of depth in the defensive secondary, will cost this team in the event of injuries, or if the on-ness intangible is lost in the game. When Michigan does not set the tempo, a win won't come nearly this easy. Away games are going to be far more difficult for this team than for a more seasoned squad.

Michigan is also more susceptible to falling behind early on big plays—especially on long passes—something the more explosive opposing offenses will look to exploit. Next week against Notre Dame, the defense should expect Jimmy Clausen to loft the ball at every opportunity. The press coverage so necessary to protecting our inexperienced safeties is bound to draw a load of pass interference or defensive holding flags; if we are forced to let up, the game could break open in the Irish's favor. The D-line will have to continue to bring pressure with or without a blitz. The crowd of 109,000+ can't rest or get restless and negative if the team starts struggling, next week and all year.

This win felt different than anything Michigan experienced last year. The last time a Michigan squad came out of the gate this fired up after a disappointing season, it was No. 1 v. No. 2 in Columbus in November. For now, the Wolverines should be thrilled to play games with a late lead and a dominant effort. Next week is another test. If Notre Dame allows Michigan to create and maintain the on-ness, it might be time for another Heisman highlight video.