Michigan Wolverines Win in Week 1, But Review Is Worrisome.

*September 4, 2024* – The Michigan Wolverines kicked off their 2024 college football season with a victory in Week 1, defeating the Eastern Michigan Eagles 31-17 at Michigan Stadium. However, despite the win, the Wolverines’ performance left fans and analysts with more questions than answers, as the team struggled to dominate in several key areas of the game.

The Wolverines entered the season with high expectations, ranked in the top 10 nationally and with hopes of making a serious run at the College Football Playoff. While the final score may suggest a comfortable win, the game itself was anything but smooth for Michigan.

Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, serving the first game of a three-game suspension related to recruiting violations, watched from home as his team took the field under the guidance of interim coach Sherrone Moore. The absence of Harbaugh was felt, as the Wolverines appeared out of sync at times, particularly on offense.

Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, returning for his second year as a starter, showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also struggled with accuracy, missing open receivers and throwing a costly interception in the third quarter that allowed Eastern Michigan to stay in the game longer than expected.

The Wolverines’ running game, which has traditionally been a strength, was surprisingly pedestrian. Star running back Blake Corum, back after recovering from last season’s knee injury, managed only 75 yards on 20 carries. The offensive line, which was expected to be one of the best in the country, struggled to create consistent running lanes against an underwhelming Eagles defensive front.

Defensively, Michigan showed promise, with the front seven generating pressure and recording three sacks. However, the secondary was less than stellar, allowing several big plays and nearly letting Eastern Michigan pull within a single score late in the game. A 54-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter was a glaring example of the unit’s vulnerabilities, raising concerns about the pass defense as the team prepares for tougher opponents later in the season.

In his post-game press conference, Moore acknowledged the team’s uneven performance but remained optimistic about the future. “A win is a win, and we’ll take it, but we know we’ve got a lot to clean up,” Moore said. “This was a wake-up call, and we’ve got to get better if we want to achieve our goals this season.”

Fans and analysts have echoed these sentiments, pointing out that while Michigan’s talent is undeniable, the execution was lacking in several critical areas. The Wolverines are expected to contend for a Big Ten title and a playoff spot, but performances like this will need to improve if they hope to compete with the conference’s elite, including Ohio State and Penn State.

One of the most concerning aspects of the game was the lack of discipline on both sides of the ball. Michigan committed eight penalties for 85 yards, several of which extended drives for Eastern Michigan and halted Michigan’s own offensive momentum. These mistakes are uncharacteristic for a Harbaugh-coached team and will need to be addressed quickly.

Looking ahead, the Wolverines have a week to regroup before facing UNLV in their second game of the season. While the win against Eastern Michigan allows Michigan to start the season 1-0, the performance suggests that there is significant work to be done. The game against UNLV will provide another opportunity for the team to fine-tune its strategies and address the issues that surfaced in Week 1.

As the season progresses, the Wolverines will need to find a way to put together more complete performances if they hope to meet the lofty expectations set before them. The talent is there, but the execution will determine whether Michigan can truly compete on the national stage this year.

For now, Michigan fans can celebrate the win, but the worrisome elements of the team’s Week 1 performance will be top of mind as the Wolverines prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.