Inexperience, Not System Reason for Wolverines' 1-2 Start

The Michigan Wolverines opened their season with countless questions regarding new head coach Rich Rodriguez and the spread offense. After losing two of the first three games, many of these questions have remained unanswered.

While there has been very little to cheer about, there are some maize linings to this overwhelmingly blue beginning.

Let's begin at the quarterback position: Steven Threet has played well enough to become the full-time starter, and it's time for Rodriguez to announce him as so. I'll let you in on a little secret: The spread can be successful with Threet running the offense.

Despite the pouring rain and a small limp in the second half, Threet went 16-of-23 passing for 175 yards and a touchdown in his first road game and, quite honestly, put his team in a position to win. Nick Sheridan simply isn't getting it done and his adequate mobility cannot make up for his poor passing.

At running back, Sam McGuffie has apparently become the go-to guy, and rightfully so. McGuffie's speed and craftiness in the open field fits the profile of a spread offense running back. Junior Kevin Grady has the potential to be a valuable weapon as a power back, but his everlasting fumble issues, especially in crucial moments, have haunted the Wolverines and effectively put last Saturday's game out of reach.

The defense has been inconsistent, but has played well enough for the Wolverines to be 3-0. Cornerback Donovon Warren has emerged as a shut-down corner and has coaches raving about his future potential. This Saturday's game against Wisconsin will undoubtedly test the experienced defense and will provide for a more accurate view of where we stand.

Before we trash the complexity of the spread offense and claim that Michigan's current personnel isn't fit to run it, let's remember what kind of players we're dealing with. Though it's hard to make out consistent starters to the current merry-go-round of offensive skill contributors, regulars such as Threet, McGuffie, Michael Shaw, and receivers Darryl Stonum, Martavious Odoms, and Toney Clemons are playing with freshman eligibility.

They make mistakes, just as all first-time players do. Growing pains happen with even the finest college football programs and unfortunately can't be avoided. 

As the year progresses, however, skill players need to emerge and spots need to be filled. Enough of musical chairs at running back, quarterback, and wide receiver. Seven Michigan running backs have carried the ball multiple times and nine Michigan receivers have caught multiple passes on the year, an unacceptably high number for this early in the season.

Failing to establish consistent personnel in the offense prevents the Wolverines from gaining much offensive rhythm. It's up to these players to claim their own spots. Rodriguez is waiting, and so are the fans.

When the starters become apparent, Michigan fans can expect to see a vast improvement in the team's performance throughout Big Ten play. A 1-3 start to the season won't go well in Ann Arbor, so expect the Wolverines to come out strong this week against the Badgers.

Michigan fans have seen enough miscues to be pessimistic, but may be surprised to see that this team is better than we think.