Observations on the loss to Utah, 17-24

Utah converted three red zones for 17 points plus another TD on three Wolverine turnovers. Michigan converted three red zones chances for 17 points.

Jake Rudock hit 27 of 43 for 279 yards, but threw three interceptions including a 55 yard return by Justin Thomas for a TD. Michigan's running game was non-existent with 76 yards in net rushing on 29 rushes; De'Veon Smith managed 43 yards in 17 carries. The Wolverines gained 355 yards in total offense on 72 plays for 20 first downs, but only 3 by rushing. Jake Butt had 8 catches for 93 yards and a TD, and Amara Darboh also had 8 catches for 101 yards and a TD. Grant Perry and Jehu Chesson had 3 catches each. No sign of Drake Harris or Jabrill Peppers contributing to this offense. Gionni Paul led the Utes with 14 tackles, and Tevin Carter got 9 stops.

Defense had a big red zone stop early, but gave up 337 net yards with 208 in the air and 20 first downs. Travis Wilson was 24 of 33, and ran 12 times for 53 yards. Devante Booker was held to 69 yards in 22 carries, but one of those carries resulted in a TD plus he gained 55 yards on 7 pass grabs. Freshman Britain Covey had 5 receptions for 58 yards, and a 14 yard punt return. Joe Bolden led the defense with 13 tackles, Desmond Morgan had 10, and Jabrill Peppers chipped in the 8 stops. Justin Clark had a 17 yard interception to close out the first half.

Special Teams showed flashes of improvement. Kenny Allen banged two touchbacks on kickoffs, and was one of two in field goal attemps. Blake O'Neill punted one to the 3 yard line, and held a 43.3 yard average on 3 punts. Jabrill Peppers had a nice 36 yard kickoff return. Utah missed two field goals.

Those who predicted a 7-5 season appear to be the most accurate. Michigan State, Ohio State, Minnesota, and Penn State will be difficult for the 2015 to beat, and we will have to play significantly better than how we played on September 3rd if we are to win those 7 predicted games.

Boxscore Highlights Harbaugh Postgame Press Conference Rudock & Wormley

Observations on the First Half with Utah

First Official Depth Chart August 31 (Games Notes) (Utah Game Notes and Depth Chart) (Kyle Whittingham on Preparing for Michigan)

Harbaugh Press Conference on August 27 (Players)

Drevno and Durkin on August 24

Michigan Scrimmage for UofM Students August 22 7-10 p.m. at Michigan Stadium (Michigan Daily and Detroit Free Press)

Michigan Preview on Big Ten Network August 19 6:00 p.m.

Michigan to wear All-White Uniforms for Utah

Michigan Youth Day Audios August 6

Fall Practice Kickoff Video

Big Ten Press Conference on July 31 (Harbaugh Interview)