For one drive, the anxiety from South Bend lingered.
Michigan ran just four plays before punting against the Western Michigan Broncos, a defense that allowed 55 points last Friday to Syracuse. Also, a Bronco defense that ranked No. 122 in rushing defense per S&P.
Cue grumbles. A false start, two short runs by Karan Higdon and an incomplete pass reminded too many folks of the sputtering against Notre Dame.
The 5-foot-10, 202-pound Higdon finally provided the offensive catalyst on drive No. 2.
His 43-yard scamper flipped field position, and led to a Shea Patterson to Sean McKeon touchdown connection two plays later — the first Michigan scoring toss since McKeon’s catch against Ohio State last November.