Michigan vs. Utah: Game Grades, Analysis for the Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines entered Rice-Eccles Stadium with an upset on the brain, but the Utah Utes protected their home turf and earned a 24-17 victory.
Justin Thomas' 55-yard pick-six with eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter effectively sealed the win for Utah.
| Pass Offense | D+ | D+ |
| Run Offense | F | F |
| Pass Defense | C | C- |
| Run Defense | B+ | B |
| Special Teams | A | B |
| Coaching | C+ | C |
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Pass Offense: Jake Rudock's efficiency and decision-making are his biggest strengths, but they weren't evident against Utah. He tossed three interceptions, though one was the result of an incorrect route. Amara Darboh (8 REC, 101 YDS, 1 TD) and Jake Butt (8 REC, 93 YDS, 1 TD) helped Michigan stay competitive to the finish.
Run Offense: If there's a bright side to Michigan's rushing performance, it's that the running backs can hardly be less effective moving forward. Thursday was simply a dreadful outing for De'Veon Smith (17 CAR, 47 YDS) and the Wolverines, who stumbled to 2.6 yards per attempt. The offensive line reached the second level on a mere handful of snaps, and that's simply unacceptable.
Pass Defense: Though the secondary was never gashed for a big gain, Michigan didn't receive a game-changing play from the defensive backfield. Jeremy Clark's interception came at the end of the second quarter on a touchdown-or-bust heave by Travis Wilson.
Run Defense: The Wolverines shut down Devontae Booker on the ground last season, and they repeated the performance in 2014. Booker managed just 3.1 yards per carry. However, Wilson kept a few drives alive with his legs and scored a 14-yard touchdown.
Special Teams: Kenny Allen hammered home a 29-yard field goal, but he pushed a 44-yarder to the right. Blake O'Neill averaged 43.3 yards on three punts, blasting a long kick of 50.
Coaching: Michigan's struggles were mostly due to poor execution. With that being said, Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Tim Drevno need to have the offensive line better prepared in future outings, because the Wolverines couldn't run the ball—at all. Fifteen of Michigan's 29 runs gained two yards or less.
Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.
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