The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/575020
T here's what we talk about dur- ing the eight-month dry march from the conclusion of college football until its autumn return. Then there's the reality light- ing bolt of the season's opening weeks, some- times as incongruous with the former as the Detroit Lions with a Super Bowl contender. September doesn't tell the whole story, but it sure offers up an enlightening first chap- ter. Here's some of what we know, regard- ing Jim Harbaugh's first team and beyond. 1. Michigan will rise or fall on defense: That was the take be- fore the year started, and nothing has in- tervened to disabuse anyone of that notion. The Wolverines are No. 13 in the nation in scoring defense, giving up an average of 12.7 points per game. Actually, it's 10.3 when U-M defenders are physically on the field, taking away the pick-six against the offense at Utah. The offense stands at No. 86 in the nation, averaging 26.7 points per game. That doesn't mean the crew led by fifth-year senior quarterback Jake Rudock won't grow over the course of the season. It's still clear, though, that when the Wolverines get into the toughest games, they can't af- ford to try and swap score for score. 2. The Big Ten love is a mixed blessing: Following the games of Sept. 19, the Associ- ated Press honored two Big Ten teams as the best one-two punch in the nation. For some, it's a bit of a punch in the gut. Sure, Michigan fans would like to have the conference talked about in glowing terms and not have to endure the barbs tossed their way by the SECs of the world. But why did it have to be these two teams? Ohio State and Michigan State, sit- ting there No. 1 and No. 2 in the na- tion, respectively. Oh joy, groans the ardent Wolverine watcher. Talk about taking the cough syrup with the ice cream. For some, it's like winning an all- expenses-paid trip to The Maldives, but having to fly coach, wedged be- tween malodorous Uncle Bernie and WOLVERINE WATCH JOHN BORTON Impressions On Changed Landscape Senior linebacker Joe Bolden and the defense will have to continue leading the Wolverines after an encouraging start, dur- ing which they ranked 13th nationally with an average of 12.7 points allowed per game. PHOTO BY BRANDON BROWN