Offense sluggish, defense struggles
SALT LAKE CITY -- The biggest question for the Michigan football team in Jim Harbaugh's first game had to wait to be answered.
After Utah marched for a field goal to open tonight's game, U-M fans finally got to see Devin Gardner's successor at starting quarterback … Jake Rudock.
As expected, the Iowa graduate transfer started the game, and his performance was the opposite of what was expected.
Rudock was supposed to be the safe, accurate choice. But by halftime, he had thrown two interceptions and missed a few huge opportunities, leading to the 10-3 halftime deficit.
He was 10-for-17 for 94 yards in the first half.
Junior quarterback Shane Morris, who was battling Rudock for the starting job, did not play in the first half.
The first interception came as U-M was marching on its first drive, with the 10th play being a third-down miscommunication where he threw to a spot and freshman receiver Grant Perry turned the opposite way. In the second quarter, he had another issue with Perry, on a deep out down the right sideline and threw it right to the Utah defender. Two interceptions in 17 attempts after having just five last year in more than 340 at Iowa.
That was enough to sour fans on Rudock. But he also blew the few chances he had for explosion plays.
Twice he had Jehu Chesson, one of the fastest Wolverines, streaking down the sideline, alone and open for a touchdown. Both times he overthrew Chesson by at least five yards.
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There were a few longer plays, leaning on tight end Jake Butt, but they had no impact as U-M went to the half 2-for-7 on third down.
(Source:http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan)
Expectations were that the veteran offensive line, with a new line coach in Tim Drevno, would transform the running game.
But although four U-M four running backs got a first-half carry — plus fullback Joe Kerridge — none of them went for more than five yards.
It looked awfully familiar to 2014, even with a different coach and quarterback.
The defense carried the Wolverines, getting pressure up front with six tackles for loss, three from Chris Wormley.
As bad as U-M was on offense, the Utes looked worse, going just 2-for-9 in the first half on third down. Though they had big turnovers, they couldn't finish.
Their only touchdown came on a drive where U-M redshirt freshman safety Jabrill Peppers struggled. Hailed as a possible breakout player on defense, Peppers was burned in coverage twice, including the pass to the one-yard line, setting up the one-yard score and Utah's 10-3 lead with 10:33 to play before halftime.
The specialists were Kenny Allen for kickoffs and field goals – he hit a 29-yarder in his first attempt – and Blake O'Neill dropped a beautiful pooch punt inside the five-yard line, pinning Utah deep.
But with a sluggish offense and a defense forced to carry them, the Wolverines looked familiar, which was the worst result. (Source:http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan)
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