Michigan Has Much to Improve on Before Challenging Ohio State

If you would have told Michigan fans that they'd be 9-2 with a shot the Big Ten East title entering the Ohio State game before Jim Harbaugh's first season as head coach began, they'd have taken that bargain. But anyone who watched the Wolverines' 28-16 win over Penn State Saturday knows Michigan has plenty of flaws to fix before thinking about taking down the Buckeyes. 

The defending national champions stand between the Wolverines and a surprising Big Ten East title in Harbaugh’s first season, and Michigan is certainly capable of ruining Ohio State's College Football Playoff dreams. But between now and Saturday, the Wolverines must improve significantly. 

Michigan led the Nittany Lions throughout the second half, but was never really secure. Three times Saturday, Penn State got inside the Michigan 10-yard line only to be held to a field goal. In a 12-point game, that’s gigantic.

The Wolverines outgained Penn State 343-207, but it felt much closer. Senior quarterback Jake Rudock outperformed heralded PSU passer Christian Hackenberg, completing 25-of-38 passes for 256 yards while Hackenberg was 13-of-37 for 137 yards.

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But Michigan’s run game was largely nonexistent, compiling 87 yards on 30 carries with De’Veon Smith being the leading rusher with 39 yards on 13 carries. The Wolverines need much better balance against the Buckeyes’ nasty defense; they’ve been average on the ground this season, entering Saturday ranked No. 67 nationally in rush offense.

They also need much better discipline. Michigan piled up an eye-popping 13 penalties for 117 yards Saturday, which won’t fly against a more talented Ohio State team. The Wolverines have shown they can hang with elite teams, but mistakes (like Michigan State’s final-play blocked punt touchdown for a stunning victory) have clearly hurt them.

That goes for the turnover battle as well. The Wolverines committed two turnovers to Penn State’s one, continuing a season-long trend. They entered the game ranked No. 96 nationally in turnover margin.

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Rudock in particular must be more careful with the ball. He now has 16 touchdowns against nine interceptions this season, but Saturday marked only the third time (albeit the third consecutive time) he’s thrown for more touchdowns than interceptions against a Big Ten foe.

Michigan’s margin for error against Ohio State will be razor-thin, and Harbaugh’s bunch can’t afford critical mistakes from Rudock’s arm.

Finally, Michigan’s run defense has been outstanding (103.2 yards per game, No. 7 nationally entering Saturday), but containing Ohio State standout back Ezekiel Elliott will be crucial. Michigan held Penn State’s Saquon Barkley to 68 yards on 15 carries, but that did include a 56-yard run.

Coupled with a 48-41 double overtime win at Indiana (which saw Jordan Howard gash the Wolverines for 238 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries), Harbaugh has serious reasons for concern over the last two games, particularly on the ground.

Does Michigan have a chance at ruining the Buckeyes’ season? Absolutely. But there’s a lot to clean up in seven days.