It wasn't always pretty, but with the Wolverines as out of sync as they've been so far in 2014, a win is a win.
Michigan-Miami(OH) First-Half Quick Hitters
The RedHawks, a MAC team who last won a game in October 2012, weren't expected to keep it close, even after Michigan's uninspiring performance against Notre Dame last weekend...but it wasn't until late in the third quarter that the Wolverines really pulled away. While the offense eventually clicked, this result won't do anything to ease up the pressure on Brady Hoke, who was booed heavily during the first half.
Key Player: Derrick Green - Green was Michigan's best offensive player, and it wasn't really close. Instrumental in turning the game from a dogfight to a blowout, Green racked up 137 yards rushing and two touchdowns on the day. After getting stymied by Notre Dame last weekend, it was important for Green to bounce back in style, and this performance will give him plenty of confidence heading into week four.
Turning Point: Outside of Green, Michigan hadn't found a groove on offense until late in the third quarter, when Devin Gardner found Jake Butt streaking toward the end zone on a cleverly-designed play. The TD put Michigan up 24-10, and they never looked back.
What We Learned: If this Michigan team wants to make a serious run at the Big 10 title, they'll need a serious turnaround...in the first half, this team looked like a squad at serious risk of missing out on a bowl game entirely.
Even with the second-half turnaround, Brady Hoke's seat is still scorching. This was supposed to be a total blowout, but unforced errors and sloppy execution kept the RedHawks in the game far longer than they should have been.
What's Next? The Wolverines take on 2-0 Utah in a nationally televised game next weekend, and if they play like they did in the first half today, they'll get run out of the building. If the offense can continue to build around Derrick Green, Jake Butt and WR Devin Funchess (who sat out today with a minor injury), the Wolverines could still make something out of this season.
MORE:
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The Top Ten Replacements for Brady Hoke If He Gets Fired
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