Michigan Opens New Season with Coach Harbaugh and Loses

University of Michigan football plays first game in Utah and comes up empty-handed.

Angelique Chengelis, Michigan beat writer for the Detroit News, joins Stephen Henderson on Detroit Today, to dissect the Wolverines 24-17 loss at Utah, which marked Jim Harbaugh’s first game as head coach at his alma mater.  Here are some of Angelique’s and Stephen’s observations:

  • A loss was not surprising: Chengelis believes that despite the hype surrounding Harbaugh’s return to coach Michigan, the Wolverines still have many of the same issues as last year’s five-win team. Michigan has some talented players, but not enough to turn the team around quickly.
  • Jake Rudock, a solid quarterback:  Michigan’s new starting QB, Jake Rudock, was just as advertised. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done.  Chengelis feels that his 3 interceptions will not be the norm – Rudock will protect the football.
  • Harbaugh’s sideline demeanor:  Stephen and Chengelis were surprised that as the Wolverines faltered, Harbaugh stayed composed and encouraged his players.  Chengelis says that Harbaugh will win the games that Michigan is supposed to win, and Stephen adds that the Wolverines will knock off a team that Michigan is not favored against. 

To hear the entire conversation, please click on the above audio link.           

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