Fifth-year senior running back Ty Isaac was one of the few bright spots for a Michigan offense that struggled mightily against Cincinnati on Saturday.
The Wolverines won 36-14, but had a hard time getting any kind of rhythm or flow going all afternoon.
After rushing for 114 yards in last week’s win against Florida, Isaac followed it up with a 133-yard performance today.
However, he actually didn’t know he had earned the start until recently.
“Coach Jay [Harbaugh] told me last night in the hotel,” Isaac said. “As far as my role, though, I didn’t really know what it would be just because I know how much the coaches like to rotate backs.”
There wasn’t as much rotation as usual, though, with sophomore Chris Evans and junior Karan Higdon only receiving a combined nine carries.
With the added workload, Isaac said both he and the offense got stronger as the game went on.
“I think the whole offense does, so I wouldn’t say it’s just a personal thing,” he explained. “The offensive line gets in their rhythm, the tight ends and receivers start playing really well, so it’s definitely a team effort.”
Although the offense had a rough go of it at times — including turning the ball over twice — Isaac said there was no panic in the huddle.
“No, there was no frustration,” he said. “When you have guys like [senior left tackle] Mason [Cole], [fifth-year senior fullback Henry] Poggi and [fifth-year senior fullback] Khalid [Hill] in the huddle, there isn’t any room for that.
“Once you start getting frustrated about making a mistake, you’re going to make more. Those guys keep everyone level-headed.
“Whether the miscues are a fumble or a missed block, we need to fix it with the same urgency — I’m sure it’ll be taken care of this week in practice.”
Seeing as how he’s one of the most experienced players on the team, Isaac will inevitably be viewed in a leadership role. He spoke about his views on leadership.
“I’m not necessarily the most vocal person, but I try to lead by example,” he explained. “There are even younger guys on the team who I look up to, in how they play and the things they say. If some of the guys on the team want to lean on me, I understand I need to be a rock at certain times for them.”
So when he does decide to speak up, does it mean a bit more to the players?
“Yeah, I would like to think so,” he said. “It’s easy to talk, but if you’re not doing the things you say, then they’re just empty words. I’d much rather be a doer than a talker.”
Those certainly sound like the words of a true leader. But again, like Isaac said, it’s not about “talking,” it’s about “doing.”
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