The Michigan Wolverines started their 2016 season in style, cruising to a 63-3 win over the Hawai'i Warriors. Michigan dominated all game long, and outside of an early interception, they were pretty close to perfect. With that in mind, here are 3 things we learned from Michigan's 63-3 win over Hawai'i.
3. Hawai'i Is Really Bad
It's really tough to take a whole lot away from this matchup. Three different QBs play for Michigan, with John O'Korn and Shane Morris getting time after the game was well in hand. The defense and offense looked great, but that's not exactly saying a whole lot considering how bad Hawai'i looked. Michigan doubled the Warriors' yardage totals and had two pick sixes. The freshman got plenty of playing time, but outside of one player (who we'll get to), this game says more about Hawai'i lack of talent than Michigan's ability. Heck, the Wolverines didn't even punt and completed every third down attempt. It's a perfect start to Michigan's season, but it should be the easiest Michigan has this season. The best part of this game might have been that 13 true freshman got playing time. That's a school record and a needed one, because they'll be counted on heavily in 2017.
2. Who Chris Evans Is
The bulk of the Wolverine fan base didn't know all that much about Chris Evans and the non-Michigan fans surely had no idea who he was. He was a four-star recruit, but the No. 335 overall player. RBs like Kareem Walker and Kingston Davis were rated higher, but it was Evans who had the great game. He torched the Hawai'i defense, with eight carries for 112 yards and two scores. How much he'll play in the games that actually matter remains to be seen, but Evans looks like a potential feature back. Only Ty Isaac had more carries than Evans and Harbaugh has shown he's willing to play young guys.
De'veon Smith missed time with what appeared to be a rib injury, opening the door for Evans. He provides some more speed and play making at RB, so he could carve out a role as the lightning to Smith's thunder at worst.
1. Wilton Speight Is The Starter
This is what was expected, but it was confirmed when the game started. Wilton Speight is the Michigan starting QB. He had an INT to start, but Harbaugh stuck with him and Speight rebounded. Speight finished the game 10 of 13 for 145 yards, 3 TDs and that pick. Speight didn't set the world on fire like, say, Lamar Jackson of Louisville did Thursday, but he played well enough. Backup John O'Korn didn't get a ton of playing time and that should only cement Speight as the starter. Things could always change, but this is Speight's job and as long as he doesn't fall apart, he won't lose it.
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