CHAMPAIGN — Nick Eubanks didn’t have to break stride as Shea Patterson’s pass floated towards the back of the end zone and into his arms.
The only celebration necessary was a pair of chest thumps and a quick point to the sky, honoring his late mother. The groan from the Illinois fans was virtually non-existent. In the equal portion of the crowd donning maize and blue, cheers were similarly subdued.
And yet, football season is 12 games, so you’ll be watching anyway, eager to see whether the Wolverines win by 20 or 30.
And when you do, you’ll want something to keep your interest after Michigan goes up multiple scores. The Daily breaks down what to watch for:
Josh Gattis came in with a plan to revolutionize Michigan’s offense and bring it into the modern era of college football. Through five games, the unit is down 51.7 yards and 7.2 points per game from a season ago, when it was roundly criticized as antiquated and inefficient.
Jim Harbaugh felt no need to wait for questions.
Walking into the press room Saturday afternoon, he had a “special guest” beside him and a message to deliver.
The “special guest” was junior cornerback Ambry Thomas, a man who he introduced with a few laudatory sentences. The message didn’t need any introduction.
“Obviously, that was a defensive masterpiece,” Harbaugh said, still adjusting his seat at the podium.
Flip a few of those names around and you have the same eulogies currently being written about the 2019 Wolverines. Attribute McSorley’s quote to Jim Harbaugh or Shea Patterson after Michigan’s 35-14 loss to Wisconsin two weeks ago and no one would bat an eye.
There’s a kicker, though.
Three months later, McSorley stood on a podium in Lucas Oil Stadium, draped in confetti, triumphantly raising the Big Ten championship trophy over his head.
Look past Harbaugh suggesting the Wolverines run the ball 60-plus times in a game, and you’ll see what he wants this running back group to be - balanced.
As Michigan’s offense entered the season with sky-high expectations, every conversation was rooted in one assumption: The Wolverines would have a steady, reliable offensive line.
It was built into the widespread confidence in Shea Patterson’s growth and was the foundation behind the lack of concern in a run game that lost its top two ball-carriers.
Any bounce back the Wolverines provided against Rutgers was always going to be shrouded in the caveat of the opponent. While Wisconsin features one of the nation’s best offensive lines, Rutgers was always going to be overmatched by Michigan’s athleticism. Still, dominating Rutgers beats the alternative.
It took all of two minutes and eight seconds Saturday afternoon.
Two minutes and eight seconds for Shea Patterson to find Nico Collins on a 48-yard touchdown down the sideline.
Two minutes and eight seconds for Collins to sprint toward his teammates, shoulder bumping Mike Sainristil and Tarik Black in celebration.
Two minutes and eight seconds for Michigan to discover its offensive groove after four vexing weeks of trying.
All week, an introspective air enveloped Schembechler Hall.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh began the week by taking the blame for the Wolverines’ 35-14 loss to Wisconsin on Saturday. His players followed up by criticizing their lack of effort and physicality. Both coaches who spoke Wednesday — linebackers coach Anthony Campanile and offensive coordinator Josh Gattis — agreed the performance was unacceptable.