Michigan Football: Brady Hoke Coaching Debut Report Card

Despite all the rain and two lightning delays, Brady Hokes' first game as the head coach at Michigan was a great one.

Yes, it did start out rather slow in being down 7-0 after one quarter of play, but Hoke showed what all great coaches do in the time of getting out of rhythm.

He was calm, cool and collected, which ultimately prevented his team from losing focus, and the Wolverines dominated thereafter.

So, how did Brady Hoke grade out after game one?

Answers lie ahead.

Offense

This is what Big Ten football, and really what Michigan football, is all about.

They ran the ball very well and had solid success in the passing game.

QB Denard Robinson displayed that he has matured more as a pocket passer.

The first offensive drive of the Brady Hoke-era was a 16-play, 76-yard drive that took over eight minutes off the clock and ended on a two-yard TD run by RB Fitzgerald Toussaint.

In addition, the Wolverines had a nine-play, 66-yard drive and a three-play, 87-yard drive.

Both were finished on the ground, and rightfully so, as that is Michigan football.

Rush Offense: A+

Pass Offense: A-

Overall Offense: A

Defense

They started off slow, allowing Western Michigan to go 74 yards on 15 plays, which took 7:11 off the clock.

Thereafter, however, the Wolverines defense stepped it up and stiffened on two consecutive Broncos possessions in prime scoring position.

First was forcing a missed field goal, and the second came on a tipped pass that was intercepted by Brandon Herron who took it back 94 yards for a TD.

Then came another defensive TD by Herron after the first lightning delay.

Michigan forced turnover after turnover, which is evidence of an improving defense.

However, the pass defense does need to significantly improve, as the Broncos were able to have a solid amount of success through the air.

Rush Defense: A-

Pass Defense: B-

Overall Defense: B

Special Teams

There really wasn't much that went on in the special teams aspect of Brady Hoke's first game.

Kicker Brendan Gibbons attempted three extra-points, going 2-for-3, while punter Matt Wile averaged 41 yards on two punts, landing one inside the 20.

As for returning, Kelvin Grady had three solid returns for 57 yards, with the longest being 25 yards.

And, other than the blocked PAT, everything else was pretty normal in football's third aspect.

Grade: B+

Overall

For the first game of the Brady Hoke-era in The Big House, it was a satisfying victory that will surely build for the remainder of the season.

Hoke remained unfazed by the slow start, which kept his team's confidence high as the game continued.

All in all, it was a complete and solid performance across the board for Brady Hoke and his team.

I think it's safe to say the Michigan Wolverines are going to be shaking the college football world very soon.

Overall Report: A

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