Team 136 Game Recap: Ohio State Pummels Michigan

Ouch. Michigan took a 42-13 whooping against the defending National Champions. Even though it may sting, this team is still light years ahead of where they were last year.

1. Tackles. Can’t miss that many tackles!

The linebackers have struggled mightily with tackling all season, and it was no different against Ohio State. This senior linebacking group gave it their all, but it just wasn’t enough against a team like the Buckeyes. Harbaugh and staff will be on the recruiting trail ASAP to find some athletic linebackers that can make plays against the best in the country.

2. The offensive line will have competition next year

Michigan is only losing one starting offensive lineman this offseason – center Graham Glasgow. However, that does not mean the other four will remain in their current positions. The running game managed only 59 yards on Saturday, and they also struggled to stop the pass rush at times. The Michigan offense can’t afford another season of mediocre line play and must drastically improve if they want to be considered a contender going forward.

3. Lack of depth/playmakers

This is Harbaugh’s first season as head coach, so he has yet to be able to recruit the type of athlete he’d like for this program. There are some studs on this Michigan team but not enough to match the Buckeyes.

Urban Meyer has been at Ohio State for four years and has the guys he wants to run his system. They are deeper at every position and there isn’t much drop off from one player to the next. They are a playoff caliber team.

4. The adjustments weren’t good enough this week

Durkin and the defense make adjustments during halftime each week. Against OSU and Indiana, those adjustments did not work. The Wolverines had problems stopping the up-tempo run game against both opponents. Other teams will take notes and use it against them until they are able to fix it.

5. This team exceeded expectations

We knew Harbaugh was a heck of a coach, but who expected nine wins? The fan base cannot knock this team’s effort and ability. This was the only game of the season that Michigan was not “in” heading into the 4th quarter. The things this team experienced this season will reap benefits in the future.

Finishing 9-3 is a testament that Michigan is in good hands going forward. Harbaugh will bring in his guys, change the attitude of the program, and work the team’s way toward the college football playoffs.