Former Wolverine Ryan Van Bergen — as well as Big Ten Network analyst Chuck Long — gave their thoughts on Michigan's 20-17 comeback win over Northwestern yesterday.
Ryan Van Bergen:
Overall impressions: "I was drinking something stronger than coffee during the game. I don't think anyone anticipated Northwestern to move the ball as easily and as consistently as they did early on. Michigan also did a lot offensively of what they aren't — they came out slinging the ball, and it bit them in the you-know-what."
Penalties: "There were calls I disagreed with strongly, but there were also fair flags. Michigan obviously need to get it under control, although I think some of it is because of the style they play on defense. They need to get off the field on fourth downs — they made plays on third downs, but penalties kept them on the field. U-M also killed themselves on offensive drives on third downs. They need to get a handle of the penalties."
A potential letdown: "It was a falloff from the enthusiasm they had in the Nebraska game, and it showed early. [Fifth-year senior defensive end] Chase Winovich showed up — it was obvious he was 'there.'
"It's disappointing, because that has a lot to do with leadership. [Junior quarterback] Shea Patterson also showed up. He took on a leadership role more so than in the past, and needs to be a leader of the team to win some of the big games. He did a good job rallying the guys and getting them going. All the guys should've shown up immediately though."
Defensive line: "I think [redshirt sophomore tackle Michael] Dwumfour has come a long way as a pass rushing tackle. He has a great get off and works his hands well. [Sophomore defensive end] Kwity Paye has looked good in the past, and has been applying pressure when given opportunities.
"Michigan is a good defense, not a great defense. You can't be a great defense unless you force turnovers — the fact that they had zero against Northwestern is concerning. They won't be great unit until they can do that."
Patterson: "He did a good job managing the game and taking over when he needed to. We saw him trying to get everyone on the same page and that's what you need out of a quarterback.
"For all of them to work as a unit, someone needs to keep everyone together, and we saw him doing that. He didn't get much help — the receivers struggled to get separation and there were coverage sacks. It's concerning they weren't getting more from other players on the field."
Higdon's holding call: "I don't know which ref made that call — there was not a single hold on that play. I'm hoping the Big Ten is doing some investigating, because Vegas had some input on that, in my opinion. That was a Buffalo Wild Wings buzzer button play.
"If they would've wound up losing because of that, I don't know where it goes. It was an incredibly awful call at a crucial time, and that ref needs to give an explanation if he wants to keep his job, in my opinion."
Big Ten Network's Chuck Long:
Overall takeaways: "Their defense is legitimate. That was also Shea Patterson's best game by far. Michigan is on the rise offensively too, so look out for them."
Winovich: "Chase Winovich harassed [Northwestern fifth-year senior quarterback] Clayton Thorson and that Northwestern offense all day long. He's become the media darling after games too, and seems to be their spokesman after games. I'm picking him as my 'standout player' from Saturday."
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