Published Oct 1, 2018
Michigan Wolverines Football News & Views: Analyzing Harbaugh’s Comments
Chris Balas  •  Maize&BlueReview
Senior Editor

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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh met the media Monday. We tackle his comments here in News & Views format:

NEWS: Michigan ranks 120th nationally in penalties per game at 9.2.

HARBAUGH: “We’re concerned about every area of the football program, where we can get better. That’s one of the areas included.”

VIEWS: Harbaugh also said he hadn’t heard back from the Big Ten offices about a phantom holding penalty called on senior running back Karan Higdon that erased a big run by junior quarterback Shea Patterson on a read-option keeper.

The weirdest part of that play — the flag came out when Patterson was 10 yards down the field, and after the linebacker had tackled Higdon. It didn’t make any sense, adding to the list of head scratchers since Harbaugh arrived at U-M.

We’re not into conspiracy theories, but these guys in stripes need to be better.

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Going back to last year when All-American Maurice Hurst was being grabbed, held and everything else — and opponents were called for maybe one holding penalty on him all year — this has become ridiculous. It’s continued this season with fifth-year senior Chase Winovich picking up where Hurst left off in never getting a call.

It makes no sense, and the numbers simply don’t add up.

NEWS: Northwestern punched Michigan in the mouth and grabbed a 17-0 lead in the first quarter before U-M rallied.

HARBAUGH: “Both sides of the ball, yeah. They outplayed us in the first quarter and I felt like our team responded the next three.”

VIEWS: About that first quarter …

Rewatching film, it was clear Michigan didn’t match Northwestern’s intensity, especially on offense. It was only when they were down 17-0 that they came out and fired off the ball and started moving people … and a lot of that came when sophomore fullback Ben Mason was in the game.

Yeah, we’ll beat this one to death. This is a better football team when Mason is on the field, and he should be out there more. We didn’t see him until late in the first quarter Saturday. We’d love to see them incorporate different looks with him, as well, especially if he can catch the ball.

Slow starts like that can’t happen, though, against the better teams on the schedule. This team needs to find a sense of urgency if it wants to compete for a title … and win on the road.

NEWS: Michigan’s offensive line had its ups and downs against Northwestern. Harbaugh was asked if it was the unit’s best game this year.

HARBAUGH: “I don’t know if I’d say that. This past game? I thought the entire team was willing to do what it took to win, had the talent to do it and got it done.”

VIEWS: They’re still making it harder than it has to be at times. Junior right guard Mike Onwenu is at his best when he’s base blocking, but asking him to pull — let’s just say it’s not his forte. He’s done okay with it at times, but putting him in that position repeatedly … he struggles.

The entire unit wasn’t at its best Saturday until it got behind. That is an intensity issue. The receivers, too, weren’t at their best in that department, though they’ve improved as blockers.

“We always strive to get better in every area, and that’s an area we want to strive to improve on that," Harbaugh said. "I think it’s much improved. They’re playing more physical. There have already been numerous touchdown blocks from our wide receivers.”

But they need to bring it every game.

NEWS: Junior quarterback Shea Patterson made huge plays in the fourth quarter to lead the Wolverines to a 20-17 win.

HARBAUGH: “As the game was tight and we needed a spark, he gave it. It got closer and he gave more energy. He did it himself, took plays into his own hands at times.”

VIEWS: It’s been a long time since we could say that about a Michigan (passing) quarterback. Devin Gardner did it a few times.

Patterson’s passion is evident. He’s a winner, and on Saturday he was frustrated … and rightfully so. Junior tight end Sean McKeon — who needs to elevate his game both as a blocker and a pass catcher — dropped what would have been a huge gain on a great throw in the first quarter. Sophomore wide receiver Nico Collins alligator armed a slant near the goal line that could have — probably should have — been picked as a result. Senior wide receiver Grant Perry let him have it … again, rightfully so.

Rich Rodriguez used to say, "we’ll win when we deserve to win." Those are not winning plays, and it’s time guys started making them and followed Patterson’s lead.

NEWS: Senior running back Karan Higdon averaged 3.8 yards per carry but still eclipsed 100 yards at Northwestern. According to Pro Football Focus, 92 of his 115 yards (80 percent) came after contact.

HARBAUGH: “He’s really got the ability to run all the assortment of runs. He’s not in a category where it’s only outside or inside. He can do both and can also pass protect. We have a high level of trust with Karan, every phase, including ball security.”

VIEWS: Harbaugh said he thought Higdon had improved most in picking up extra yardage after contact. While he’s gotten better in that area, it’s his pass protection that has improved the most. Running backs coach Jay Harbaugh and offensive line coach Ed Warinner have done a great job with the backs in that respect, and Higdon’s improvement is the most noticeable.

Not only is Higdon making solid contact with blitzers, he is initiating it. That takes courage, and he is playing like a captain in showing it.

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