The Michigan Wolverines surprisingly suffered their first loss of the season on Saturday, losing 14-13 to Iowa on a last second field goal. While the loss definitely stings, Michigan will undoubtedly still be highly ranked and remain right in the thick of College Football Playoff contention. Here are three things we learned from the loss to Iowa:
3) Line play needs to improve
Michigan had been able to dominate teams on their way to a 9-0 start, and the biggest reason for that dominance was the play they got along both the offensive and defensive lines. Against Iowa, that didn't happen. The offensive line was pushed around by Iowa's defensive front, allowing them to get consistent pressure on Wilton Speight. Furthermore, Michigan's usually excellent ground game was held to just 2.8 yards per carry.
Defensively, Michigan still played well, but not at the level they have in the past. The secondary was awesome - Iowa passed for just 66 yards - but the Hawkeyes did manage to pick up 164 yards on the ground. Akrum Wadley hurt them in particularly, running for 115 yards by himself - the most Michigan has given up to a single player this season. As we head down the stretch and games get bigger and bigger, it is crucial for Michigan to get good line play.
2) Just how good are Michigan's receivers?
Michigan's star receivers - Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh - received one-on-one coverage virtually all night, yet they were unable to make plays or create separation when they needed to. The duo combined for just three catches for 35 yards, and since Michigan wasn't able to spread the field or take the top of the defense because of their struggles, Iowa was able to load up even more to stop the run.
Michigan's running game is built on having the threat of the deep ball. We saw happens when that downfield threat isn't there, and simply put, it has to be going forward.
1) All of their goals are still in front of them
As much has losing hurts and as much as Michigan would have loved to have gone undefeated, this loss doesn't really change anything - all of their goals are still in front of them. They control their own destiny in the Big Ten East, and if they take care of their business and beat Ohio State, the Wolverines will be in the Big Ten title game and in the playoff if they win that. The loss is discouraging, but definitely not the end of the world.
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