Michigan Football: Are Wolverines Returning to Prominence Under Brady Hoke?

It obviously remains to be seen, but the 34-10 win over Western Michigan in his coaching debut was a good start for new Michigan head coach, Brady Hoke.

And with that win, are the Michigan Wolverines now really back under Brady Hoke?

To make a long story short, yes.

But let's make it a long story anyway because that's more fun.

For starters, Brady Hoke cares about defense, unlike Rich Rodriguez—and we all know defense wins championships.

Hoke already knew coming in that his offense would be stellar, as evidenced by the pro-style spread offense installed by Rodriguez.

With QB Denard Robinson as a Heisman hopeful, along with RBs Fitzgerald Toussaint and Michael Shaw, then WRs Roy Roundtree and Junior Hemingway out-wide, there's no reason why the can't burn up the scoreboard.

Unfortunately, the defense was quite awful, because anyone who allows 65 points in a game (even if it did go into three overtime periods) needs help.

So, Hoke delve himself and his staff into getting some solid four-star defensive recruits such as DE Brennan Beyer and DB Blake Countess.

In addition, mixing up defensive calls and getting pressure on the QB appears to be a major aspect of Hoke's coaching philosophy.

Early on against Western Michigan there wasn't much pressure on the QB, but as the game continued, so did the pressure.

There were tipped passes, one of which was returned 94 yards for a TD by Brandon Herron and a forced fumble by Jordan Kovacs on a sack of Broncos' QB Alex Carder, also returned for a TD by Herron.

Two defensive TDs and three total turnovers forced has the Wolverines' defense rolling with confidence and will increase as the season continues.

One other area of importance under Hoke is discipline.

Western Michigan had a total of 42 yards on eight penalties, whereas Michigan had only one for five yards.

Penalties are basically beating yourself and as such, is only going to make it that much more difficult to win.

It's hard enough to actually defeat an opponent, but it's virtually impossible to win against someone when you have to beat yourself as well.

If this area continues to be non-existent like it was in game one, Michigan can go a long way in Brady Hoke's first season.

Which then will only build for a more prosperous future—like winning Big Ten and national championships.

So, to revert back to the original question, is Michigan back under Brady Hoke?

Yes.

See, wasn't that more fun than the short story?

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