GETTING BETTER!

Well, well, well....... Here we are again. Let's take the first quarter out of these three victories and Michigan is a stellar team. For example, look at todays win over EMU. First quarter defensively, gave up 122yds on the ground and racked up only 34yds for themselves. By the end of the game, Michigans defense gave up a total of 207yds on the ground and only 29yds through the air. When you break it down, Michigan only gave up 85yds rushing for the final three quarters and played with a passion. Offensively, rushed for over 300 yds and passed for roughly 95.

I was saying a couple days ago that less than a thirty point victory would be a shame but that wasn't the case. Let me make something clear, Vincent Smith is a stud RB that produces and has excellent vision. Denard takes over games but he needs to work on his passing skills. His passes sail, even on short throws to open recievers. This group of WR's are good downfield blockers and do not drop passes often. Yes, it took a while for the OL to take over, but they did and it was obvious. I have been waiting for the one back to get a majority of the carries but I am OK with what is going on currently.

On the defensive side of the ball, what boggles my mind is how long it takes for them to settle in. They have gotten away with it for three straight weeks. Here I am watching what looks like last years disgusting defense and the next thing you know they are stuffing the run and shutting down the pass. I am just not used to watching these adjustments work so well over the past few seasons. These guys are playing tough, rarely missing tackles and hitting hard. Thomas Gordon, Jake Ryan, Brandin Hawthorne, Kovacs, Campbell, are just a few players who have absolutely stepped up and Mattison is getting everything from these guys. When is the last time Michigan has given up only 3 points, 29yds passing, and only 85yds rushing over the last 3 QTRS? How bout the turnovers this year folks? Here was EMU's drives today......fumble, FG, downs, int, punt, punt, punt, downs, punt, punt, punt.

Yes, Michigan has plenty of work to do on both sides of the ball but the changes are happening and they are getting better. These slow starts need to change and SDSU will be in ANN ARBOR next week and anything can happen. This team is different, something new happens every week, turnovers are going their way and somebody new steps up on a weekly basis. One thing is for sure though, Denard is good....



BIG TEN POWER POLL

1. Wisconsin - this is the only big-ten team that can play on a national level right now.

2. Nebraska - Martinez was efficient, D struggled a little but they were on the road and can't take them out of the 2 spot for that.

3. Michigan - Yes Michigan... the D is playing well and they run all over the field.

4. Illinois - I liked them at the beginning of the season and are 3-0. Playing better than expected on both sides of the ball.

5. MSU - Lost on the road to ND, it wasn't an upset. Still a good team and have Central Michigan and osu in their next two games.

6. Iowa - They lost to Iowa State last week but have a nice passing game. Play ULM next week and a bye before PSU.

7. PSU - Struggling with Temple is discouraging, so are QB questions, especially after a beating from Bama.

7. osu - I have osu tied with PSU at the seven spot. No QB, new coach, and lacking playmakers. They miss herron, posey and adams something fierce.

8. northwestern - A loss to Army looks bad, but they are still playing without Persa. Should get better when he returns.

9. Purdue - 59-0 are you serious? Only gave up 153 total yards? Are you serious. They are the best of the worst this week.

10. Minnesota - Getting big plays from Marquise Gray. They may surprise someone this year.

11. Indiana - Whatever


OTHER NOTES

Do not forget about FLORIDA

BAMA and LSU are both big and bad

Oklahoma's D showed me something and Landry Jones is BIG TIME in pressure situations