5 Adjustments Michigan Football Must Make After Season-Opening Loss to Utah

Once the hype cleared and dust settled on Michigan football's 2015 season-opening loss to Utah, it was clear a handful of adjustments must be made.

Under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines will battle through a trial-and-error period while adapting new offensive and defensive schemes, and those growing pains were clearly evident during the Utes' 24-17 win.

Most importantly, Michigan needs to address what is supposed to become the offense's bread and butter: the running game.

Perfection isn't expected in the first game of the season, but win or lose, it provides a starting point for the weaknesses that must be corrected.

Connecting on Deep Passes

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Quarterback Jake Rudock reared back, launched the ball to wide receiver Jehu Chesson and... it felt harmlessly incomplete. Both throws could have resulted in a touchdown, and on one occasion, Rudock's next attempt was an interception.

Michigan's offense is not intended to be explosive, so taking advantage of the few big-play opportunities is imperative.

"We definitely [left points on the field]," tight end Jake Butt said before mentioning "shots downfield" as potential difference-makers, per Adam Biggers of Today's U.

Whether it's Amara Darboh, Chesson, Drake Harris or another Wolverines receiver, someone needs to emerge as Rudock's game-breaking target. Of course, Rudock has to connect with him, too.

Improvement in Run Blocking

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Thursday offered Michigan what is courteously called a "learning experience," because the next session in the film won't be enjoyable for the offensive line.

Utah flat-out dominated the trenches. The Wolverines managed just 76 yards on 29 carries—a putrid 2.6-yard average—and 15 of those 29 attempts gained two yards or less.

"We were coming off a little too tentatively," Harbaugh said of the O-line's first-half performance, per MLive's Nick Baumgardner. "There was some movement on the defensive line that I think was causing that in our players' minds."

Harbaugh has recognized the issue—not that there was any concern about him overlooking it—and Michigan should steadily improve as the season progresses. But man, that was an ugly night.

Running the Proper Routes

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Utah tallied a field goal on the opening drive of the game, but the Wolverines responded nicely and were nearly in the red zone. Then, on a 3rd-and-5, Rudock's first possession with the program ended in disappointment because of a freshman mistake.

Freshmen screw up. It's a part of the game. Yet that doesn't change the impact wide receiver Grant Perry's incorrect route had on Michigan.

Perry settled into the zone instead of running the out-breaking route Rudock expected, and Utah defensive back Cory Butler-Byrd snagged an easy interception. Even if Perry didn't make the catch, the Wolverines could've settled for a 38-yard field-goal attempt.

The adjustment is undeniably basic, simple and boring. But just as Thursday proved, being on the same page with the quarterback is a necessity to avoid mistakes that keep points off the board.

Cutting Down Missed Tackles

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The defense did an admirable job containing Heisman-hopeful running back Devontae Booker, but he still shook more than a handful of tacklers, as did dual-threat quarterback Travis Wilson.

"He makes plays when plays are able to be made," Michigan linebacker Joe Bolden said, according to Biggers. "He's smart. He's good with reading."

Bolden, in particular, had a front-row seat to Michigan's regular difficulty wrapping and finishing. The senior missed a handful of tackles throughout the night.

The Wolverines welcome Oregon State's Storm Barrs-Woods—another versatile back—to Ann Arbor next weekend, and he's no stranger to ripping off a long run if given the opportunity. Michigan needs to make sure the senior never has a chance to find that lane.

Finding a Second Cornerback

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Jourdan Lewis is the undisputed No. 1 cornerback. However, there's plenty of debate for who should occupy the other starting role, because Thursday didn't provide an answer.

Neither Channing Stribling nor Jeremy Clark did enough to assert himself, so Michigan will likely use a rotation over the next couple games until someone does.

Plus, perhaps the struggles will influence defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin to give Wayne Lyons a look at corner, though the initial depth chart listed the Stanford transfer as a safety.

The defensive backs won't really be tested through the air over the next couple outings, which provides a perfect opportunity to experiment in game situations. Sometimes, the biggest adjustment is sticking with the original plan. At that point, it's all about execution.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.