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Michigan Football: Jim Harbaugh ‘Ready to Attack’ Wolverines’ Mistakes

By Joel Greer

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Probably the most disappointed person in Rice-Eccles Stadium Thursday night was new Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh.

The former U-M quarterback and highly successful college and pro football coach was making his debut for his alma-mater, expecting to return the program to the elite status it missed since Lloyd Carr retired in 2007.

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Harbaugh’s Wolverines lost the season opener to Utah 24-17 Thursday night (Sep. 3) in a game they could have won without too many glaring mistakes.

He could have made the usual coach’s excuses, complained about the officials, say he was outcoached or his players had an off night.

‘There were a lot of positives’

Instead, he accepted the loss as an experience to build on.

"“It was a real football game tonight, for both teams,” Harbaugh said in his postgame press conference. “I thought it was a real physical, competitive football game. For our football team, there were a lot of positives, some things to build on, some things to grow from in a lot of areas. I’m already thinking about them, ready to attack them.”"

Harbaugh is no doubt thinking of the three interceptions thrown by grad-transfer Jake Rudock, the third being the real killer, a 55-yard pick-six which gave the Utes a 24-10 lead with just 7:58 left.

“…Tip the hat to the Utah player (Thomas), the nickel, he made a heck of a play on it,” Harbaugh added. “I’ll say this about Jake, you throw an interception for a touchdown and then you come back and lead a touchdown drive, I thought that was outstanding.”

Michigan started a veteran offensive line which had 77 starts between them. You would think there would be improvement the following year. But tailback De’Veon Smith, who had most of the team’s carries, was stopped in his tracks the entire first half, gaining just 14 yards on eight carries. The second half wasn’t much better, netting 33 yards for a total of 47. His longest run of the night was seven yards.

Booker held to 69 yards

Fullback Joe Kerridge looked good on a quick hitter, gaining five yards on his only attempt.

On other positive notes, the Wolverines didn’t allow a sack while the defense shut-down Utah’s running game,
holding the Ute’s talented running back Devontae Booker to 69 yards on 22 attempts, a 3.1 average.

On another positive note, both tight end Jake Butt (see photo above) and wide receiver Amara Darboh made eight catches. Each caught touchdown passes from Rudock who finished the night 27 of 43 for 279 yards.

Harbaugh and his Wolverines should get well soon. They host Oregon State next Saturday (Sept. 12 ) at the Big House with the opening kickoff scheduled for noon.

Next: 2015 College Football Top 25 Week 1

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